Needle Size and the Risk of Kidney Biopsy Bleeding Complications

The percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of kidney disease. Most renal biopsies are performed under direct ultrasound guidance with automated biopsy needles, techniques that have substantially reduced the risks of the procedure.1–3 However, the kidney biopsy still carries a considerable risk of bleeding complications. Although certain risk factors for bleeding, including hypertension, acute kidney injury, female sex, and older age, have been well documented,4 the association between the biopsy needle size and the rate of bleeding complications is unclear.