Kidney Biopsy Medical Test

A kidney or renal biopsy means removing a very small sample (about half a matchstick in size) from one of your kidneys using a special needle. A kidney biopsy can help find a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. A kidney biopsy may be done to evaluate suspected kidney problems or abnormal results from kidney function tests, such as blood and urine tests, ultrasound, or a computed tomography scan. If kidney cancer is suspected, a biopsy may not be done because of the possible risk of spreading the cancer. Kidney biopsies are usually done in a hospital. You may be fully awake with light sedation, or you may be asleep under general anesthesia. If you are awake, you will be given a local anesthetic before the needle is inserted. The biopsy takes about thirty minutes and will usually be done under local anaesthetic so you will remain awake. You can eat and drink normally before and after the biopsy is done. During the biopsy an ultrasound scanner is often used to help the doctor. The ultrasound scan locates the kidney so the biopsy needle is inserted at exactly the right place. The scan is painless.

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.