Your blood pressure is measured, blood tests are checked and your urine is checked, you may be examined. You are asked if you would like a mild sedative. The biopsy is taken from one kidney. If it is a biopsy of your own kidney, you are asked to lie on your tummy. The skin over your back just below the ribs is cleaned with antiseptic.
Some local anaesthetic is put into the skin which stings a little at first.
More local anaesthetic is then put into the muscle of the back. When the skin and tissues are completely numb the doctor localises the kidney with ultrasound and then takes the biopsy with a needle. You should not be aware of any pain but may feel a little pressure when the biopsy needle is used. The doctor may need to repeat the procedure to ensure an adequate sample. If it is a biopsy of a transplant kidney you will be asked to lie on your back, and the local anaesthetic will be put into the skin and then the muscles of your tummy over the transplant.