Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy
You had a procedure called a kidney biopsy. Your healthcare provider used a needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your kidney. The tissue will be checked for signs of damage and disease. A kidney biopsy is done if other tests have shown that there may be a problem with your kidney. A kidney biopsy is also done if a healthcare provider thinks you may have kidney disease or to check for cancer.
Home care
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Rest for 24 to 48 hours.
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Don’t drive for 24 to 48 hours.
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Don’t shower for 24 hours. If you wish, you may wash with a sponge or washcloth. When you are able to shower, don’t scrub the site. Gently wash the area and pat it dry.
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Remove the bandage from the biopsy site 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 to 4 days.
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Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work. Tell them if your job involves heavy lifting.
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If you take blood-thinner medicine (anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine) and you stopped taking it a few days before your procedure, ask when you can take it again.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Blood in your urine for more than 24 hours after the biopsy
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Unable to pass urine
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Extreme tiredness
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Extreme weakness
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Sudden or worse shortness of breath
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Sudden chest pain
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
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Chills
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Redness, tenderness, pain, or swelling at the biopsy site that gets worse
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Opening up of the biopsy site
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Fluid or bleeding from the biopsy site
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Overall pain that gets worse, with or without activity
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Symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Walead Latif MD
Date Last Reviewed:
10/1/2021
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