Why do I need a Kidney Biopsy?

Talk to Your Kidney Doctor at FKP. A kidney biopsy may be done to:

  1. Diagnose a kidney problem that can't otherwise be identified
  2. Help develop treatment plans based on the kidney's condition
  3. Determine how quickly kidney disease is progressing
  4. Determine the extent of damage from kidney disease or another disease
  5. Evaluate how well treatment for kidney disease is working
  6. Find out why a transplanted kidney isn't working properly

Results of blood or urine tests

Your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy based on the results of blood or urine tests that show:

  1. Blood in the urine (hematuria) that's localized to the kidney
  2. Protein in the urine (proteinuria) that's excessive, rising or accompanied by other signs of kidney disease
  3. Problems with kidney function, leading to excessive waste products in the blood

Not everyone with these problems needs a kidney biopsy. The decision is based on your signs and symptoms, test results, and overall health.