CT-Guided Kidney Biopsy Without Intravenous Contrast
A CT-guided biopsy that removes a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope, without injecting intravenous contrast.
["This procedure provides kidney tissue for diagnosis when imaging and urine or blood tests have not identified the cause of a kidney problem."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89614-2
- Short code
- CT Guided Kidney Bx--WO contr
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Kidney Bx--WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A CT-guided kidney biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a needle is guided into a kidney using CT images. A small piece of tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist to identify the cause of certain kidney problems.
Why might I need this test?
This biopsy may be recommended when kidney function is abnormal or unexplained, or when imaging suggests a kidney condition. It can help diagnose problems involving kidney tissue, including some forms of inflammation, infection, scarring, or other disease.
How is the test performed?
You usually lie on a procedure table, and the area around the biopsy site is numbed with local anesthetic. Using CT guidance, the clinician positions a biopsy needle through the skin into the kidney and removes small samples of tissue. The samples are then sent for laboratory examination.
How do I prepare for the test?
Your care team will provide specific instructions, which may include blood tests, medication review, and fasting if required. You should tell the clinician about blood-thinning medicines, bleeding disorders, kidney function problems, allergies, and any prior imaging contrast reactions before the procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Biopsy results may identify or clarify the type of kidney disease and guide treatment or further evaluation. The findings are interpreted together with your symptoms, examination, laboratory results, and imaging, because a small tissue sample does not always represent the entire kidney.
Short name
CT-guided kidney biopsy
Frequently asked questions
Does this procedure use contrast dye?
Is a CT-guided kidney biopsy painful?
What are the main risks?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy