Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy

You had a procedure called a kidney biopsy. Your healthcare provider used a special needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your kidney to examine it for signs of damage and disease. A kidney biopsy is ordered after other tests have shown that there may be a problem with your kidney. Kidney biopsies are also performed when kidney disease is suspected and to rule out cancer.

Home care

• Rest for 24 hours to 48 hours. Get up only to use the bathroom.

• Don’t drive for 24 hours to 48 hours after the procedure.

• Don’t shower for 24 hours after the biopsy. If you wish, you may wash yourself with a sponge or washcloth. When you are able to shower, don’t scrub the site. Gently wash the area and pat it dry.

• Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 24 hours to 48 hours after the procedure.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 days to 4 days after the procedure.

• Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if your job involves heavy lifting.

• If you normally take blood thinner medicines (anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines) and you stopped taking them a few days before your procedure, ask your healthcare provider when to start taking them again.