Histopathology- Kidney Biopsy LM
Histopathology- Kidney Biopsy LM
Histopathological examination of kidney biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to identify the underlying causes of various kidney diseases, including kidney cancers and systemic diseases with renal involvement. This test is also used to check the health and function of the transplanted kidneys.
During a histopathology evaluation, doctors perform a kidney biopsy, a procedure in which one or two small pieces of the kidney are removed and examined under a light microscope using routine stains (e.g., Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)) or special stains (e.g., Jones methenamine silver) for signs of damage or disease. The information gained further helps doctors make accurate diagnoses of the kidney problem, determine the severity of the condition, and guide treatment options for improving patient outcomes
What is Histopathology of Kidney Biopsy Used For?
The histopathological examination of kidney biopsy is performed
To confirm the presence and absence of kidney disease
To identify the root causes of various kidney conditions
To provide prognostic information, such as predicting the likelihood of disease recurrence or progression, particularly in the context of kidney cancer and transplant rejection
To guide clinicians, develop treatment plans based on the kidney's condition
To monitor patient's response to a specific treatment for a particular kidney problem
To assess the functioning of transplanted kidney
Preparation for Test
No special preparation is needed for a histopathological examination of a biopsied kidney specimen. But, for doing a kidney biopsy, your doctor may tell you to avoid painkillers for two weeks prior to the procedure to make sure that you don't bleed following the biopsy. You might also need to fast before the procedure. Blood and urine samples will also be taken to rule out the possibility of infection or other conditions before testing
Interpretation of Test Results
The result of the histopathological examination of the kidney biopsy sample is usually given as a pathology report and  interpreted as follows:
Abnormal result
This report includes diagnosing a specific kidney condition and describing the essential characteristics of abnormal tissues or cells. But sometimes, abnormal results can be unclear, forcing your doctor to do more tests to diagnose your condition accurately.
 Normal result
This report indicates that the histopathologist found no signs of cancer or other kidney conditions in the biopsy specimen provided
FAQs
What are the common complications associated with kidney biopsy?
While generally safe, the kidney biopsy carries a few complications that may occur during or after the procedure. These include:
·       Bleeding and infection at the biopsy site
·       Pain and  bruising
·       Potential spread of infection to nearby organs
Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the above symptoms after a kidney biopsy
What happens if I have had a kidney transplant?
If you've undergone a kidney transplant, your doctor may perform a biopsy and subsequent histopathological evaluation to evaluate the health and function of your transplanted kidney. Doing so helps them to plan appropriate treatment strategies that ensure the long-term survivability of the grafted kidney
What common kidney conditions are diagnosed using histopathological examination of kidney biopsies?
Some common diseases  diagnosed through the histopathological examination of  kidney biopsies include:
·        Blood(hematuria)  and protein in the urine(proteinuria)
·       Unexplained kidney failure
·       Acute or Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
·       Nephrotic syndromeÂ
·       Inflammatory kidney disease(such as lupus nephritis)
·       Kidney cancer
·       Urinary abnormalities
·       Rare kidney disorders( such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, Alport syndrome, IgA nephropathy, etc.)
Your doctor may also suggest a kidney biopsy to know if the treatment for your kidney problem is working or not.
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How long does a kidney biopsy take?
The whole biopsy procedure usually takes between 15 minutes to half an hour. Although you may have to stay in the hospital for several hours afterward for a full recovery
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