How long does a kidney biopsy take? | Renal biopsy

How long does a kidney biopsy take?

The kidney biopsy itself only takes a few seconds. Due to the fact that the kidney is placed on the stomach and the skin is disinfected sufficiently, the procedure should take about 20 minutes. After a biopsy, bed rest should be kept for 24 hours.

How much does a kidney biopsy cost?

A kidney biopsy is charged according to the scale of fees for doctors. It amounts to 3 to 4 digits. Since a kidney biopsy is only performed by a doctor after an indication, the health insurance company covers the costs of a kidney biopsy.

What alternatives are there?

A biopsy of the kidney is the only method to reliably identify the cause of renal function impairment. In most cases, the biopsy is performed under ultrasound guidance. Biopsies can alternatively be performed under CT control or laparoscopically (minimally invasive).

There is no alternative for a reliable diagnosis. If one does not wish to have a biopsy performed, an ultrasound examination, a CT or MRI, a urine or blood test can provide indications of the cause of an unclear kidney function restriction.