Kidney Biopsy

Biopsy, Kidney, Percutaneous Renal Biopsy, Renal Biopsy

Test Overview

A kidney biopsy is done using a long thin needle put through the back (flank) into the kidney. This is called a percutaneous kidney biopsy. A tissue sample is taken and sent to a lab. It is looked at under a microscope. The sample can help your doctor see how healthy your kidney is and look for any problems.

The two kidneys are found on either side of the spine, in the lower back. They help the body balance water, salts, and minerals in the blood. The kidneys also filter waste products from the blood and make urine.

A kidney biopsy may be done to check for kidney problems. It may also be done after other tests for kidney disease, such as blood and urine tests, ultrasound, or a computed tomography (CT) scan, show a kidney problem. If kidney cancer is suspected, a biopsy may not be done because of the chance of spreading the cancer.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated October 25, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
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