How should renal biopsy samples be handled?
If a decision to perform a renal biopsy is deemed to be in the best interest of the patient, before performing the procedure,
contact a laboratory familiar with evaluation of kidney biopsy samples for specific directions of how to process the sample.
Specifically request information about how to process samples for standard light microscopy, immunohistochemical techniques,
immunofluorecent microscopy and electron microscopy.
This photograph illustrates an
infarct in the caudal pole of the right kidney of an adult female Miniature Schnauzer. A Tru-cut biopsy needle was used to
obtain a biopsy
sample from this region six months previously.
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Now what is your opinion?
Key point: Since renal biopsy procedures are associated with significant risks, they should not be performed unless the associated
benefits are likely to outweigh these risks in terms of the welfare of the patient. After considering this information, how
would you respond to the question: "Are the probable benefits associated with needle biopsy of this cat's kidney likely to
outweigh the risks associated with this procedure?" In formulating your answer, it may be helpful to consider the following
questions.
• Based on my knowledge of my own skill and experience with techniques of percutaneous kidney biopsies, would I consent to
a kidney biopsy if I were this cat?
• What diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic goals are likely to be achieved by evaluation of kidney biopsy samples?
• Will the benefits associated with the technique of ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy be sufficient to justify the associated
risks and costs?
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