Discharge Instructions for Kidney Transplant Biopsy

You had a procedure called kidney transplant biopsy. Your doctor removed a small piece of tissue from your transplanted kidney to examine it for signs of damage or rejection. The results of a transplant biopsy are usually available within a few hours. So if treatment is needed, it can be started as soon as possible.

Home care

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

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

• Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 24 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.

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

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

• Avoid strenuous activities, such as jogging, contact sports, horseback riding, and heavy lifting, for at least 2 weeks. These activities will stress the kidney.

• If you were asked to stop any medicines before the biopsy, be sure to ask your healthcare provider when you can start taking them again. This is most important for medicines such as blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.