Recovery

Discharge Instructions for Kidney Transplant Biopsy

Choose a preferred language

You had a procedure called kidney transplant biopsy. Your doctor removed a small piece of tissue from your transplanted kidney. This is done to check it for signs of damage or rejection. Your doctor will learn the results of this biopsy within a few hours. If treatment is needed, it can start as soon as possible.


Home care

  • Rest for  24 to 48 hours.

  • 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. Instead, 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 them if your job involves heavy lifting.

  • Don't do strenuous activities for at least  2 weeks. This includes jogging, contact sports, horseback riding, and heavy lifting. They will stress the kidney.

  • You may have had to stop taking medicines before the biopsy. Ask your doctor when you can start taking them again. This is most important for medicines such as blood thinners.


Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.


When to get medical care

Contact your doctor right away if:

  • Your urine is dark red, brown, or has blood clots.

  • You have trouble urinating. This includes:

    • Being unable to urinate.

    • Having to urinate very often.

    • Feeling an urge to go to the bathroom right away.

    • Having a burning feeling when urinating.

  • You feel exhausted or extremely weak.

  • You have bleeding or fluid leaking at the biopsy site.

  • You have redness, pain, or swelling at the biopsy site that gets worse.

  • The biopsy site opens.

  • You feel dizzy or lightheaded.

  • You have a fever of  100.4°F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

  • You have chills.

  • You have pain that gets worse, with or without activity.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Urology
Discharge Instructions for Percutaneous Nephrostomy

A percutaneous nephrostomy is done to drain urine from your kidney to prevent pain, infection, and kidney damage. You had the procedure because your kidney or the tube leading from the kidney to the bladder was blocked by a kidney stone or tumor, or perhaps another problem causing a backup of urine.

Read article
Urology
Acute Glomerulonephritis

The role of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an inflammation of the kidney that affects the filtering ability of the kidneys. This condition may be acute (lasting weeks to months) or chronic (lasting many years).

Read article
Urology
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

When the kidneys don't work normally and waste products start to build up in the blood, this is called chronic kidney disease (CKD). Read on to learn how to care for yourself at home.

Read article
Wellness
Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease

Following a special diet when you have kidney disease can help you stay as healthy as possible. Your dietitian or other health care provider should make a special diet plan just for you.