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DNA Labs India

Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test

Short Name: Kidney Biopsy Panel 3

Also known as: Kidney Biopsy Panel 3, Renal Biopsy Histopathology Panel, Kidney Tissue Analysis Panel 3, Comprehensive Renal Biopsy Panel

Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹13,500. Uses Cryoprocessing, Fluorescence Microscopy, Light Microscopy, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Digital Photography, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) on Kidney Biopsy Tissue Specimens (3 specimens required) samples. Results in Sample processing begins daily by 6 PM upon specimen receipt. The complete report is delivered within 22 working days through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Diagnostic PanelAdult🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

The Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test is performed for the evaluation of patients with undiagnosed kidney disease. It helps in following the course of therapy or disease progression and diagnoses diseases caused by immune mechanisms. For transplanted kidneys, this panel is particularly important in the determination of acute rejection, infection, or recurrent disease. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is critical in diagnosing conditions where pathological features are not discernible under light microscopy alone, including Alport disease, thin basement membrane disease, fibrillary glomerulonephritis, immunotactoid glomerulonephritis, and dense deposit disease. TEM is also useful in renal allografts to diagnose recurrence or de novo development of diseases.

Test Code
776
Price
₹13,500
Sample Type
Kidney Biopsy Tissue Specimens (3 specimens required)
Result Time
Sample processing begins daily by 6 PM upon specimen receipt. The complete report is delivered within 22 working days through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Cryoprocessing, Fluorescence Microscopy, Light Microscopy, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Digital Photography, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Step 1

Sample Collection

A brief clinical history must be provided in the Renal Biopsy-Native Kidneys Requisition Form (Form 5) or Renal Allograft/Transplant Biopsy Requisition Form (Form 6). This is mandatory before sample submission. Inform the physician about any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications being taken, as these may need to be adjusted before the biopsy procedure.

Method: Kidney biopsy procedure performed by a nephrologist or urologist

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

The kidney biopsy is performed by a qualified nephrologist or urologist, typically under ultrasound or CT guidance. Three separate tissue specimens are collected and placed in their respective preservative solutions: buffered normal saline for DIF, 10% formal saline for histopathology, and 3% buffered glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Specimens should be shipped refrigerated to the laboratory. Patients should be monitored post-biopsy for signs of bleeding, pain, or other complications. Results will be available within 22 working days through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Timeline: Sample processing begins daily by 6 PM upon specimen receipt. The complete report is delivered within 22 working days through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Complete the Renal Biopsy-Native Kidneys Requisition Form (Form 5) or Renal Allograft/Transplant Biopsy Requisition Form (Form 6) with a brief clinical history. This is mandatory. Inform your doctor about any blood-thinning medications. Follow all pre-biopsy instructions provided by your nephrologist, including any medication adjustments.
2
During the Test:The kidney biopsy is performed by a qualified specialist, typically under ultrasound or CT guidance. A thin needle is used to extract small tissue samples from the kidney. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Three specimens are collected and preserved in the appropriate solutions as specified.
3
After the Test:After the biopsy, patients are typically observed for several hours to monitor for complications such as bleeding. Mild discomfort or blood in the urine may occur temporarily. Specimens are processed through multiple investigative methods including light microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Reports are available within 22 working days.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test is performed for the evaluation of patients with undiagnosed kidney disease. It helps in following the course of therapy or disease progression and diagnoses diseases caused by immune mechanisms. For transplanted kidneys, this panel is particularly important in the determination of acute rejection, infection, or recurrent disease. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is critical in diagnosing conditions where pathological features are not discernible under light microscopy alone, including Alport disease, thin basement membrane disease, fibrillary glomerulonephritis, immunotactoid glomerulonephritis, and dense deposit disease. TEM is also useful in renal allografts to diagnose recurrence or de novo development of diseases.

How to Prepare

  • Submit 3 separate kidney biopsy specimens as indicated on the requisition form
  • Place 1 specimen in buffered normal saline for DIF studies
  • Place 1 specimen in 10% formal saline for histopathology examination
  • Place 1 specimen in 3% buffered glutaraldehyde solution (available from LPL) for electron microscopy
  • Ship all specimens refrigerated to ensure tissue integrity
  • Complete the Renal Biopsy-Native Kidneys Requisition Form (Form 5) or Renal Allograft/Transplant Biopsy Requisition Form (Form 6) with a brief clinical history — this is mandatory
  • Ensure specimens are clearly labelled with patient details and specimen type

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504

"As a nephrologist, I recommend the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 for patients presenting with unexplained proteinuria, persistent hematuria, unexplained decline in renal function, or suspected glomerulonephritis. This comprehensive panel is particularly valuable for transplant recipients where accurate diagnosis of acute rejection, infection, or recurrent disease is essential for guiding immunosuppressive therapy. The inclusion of transmission electron microscopy is critical for identifying ultrastructural changes characteristic of conditions such as Alport disease, thin basement membrane disease, and fibrillary glomerulonephritis, which cannot be reliably diagnosed by light microscopy alone. Early and precise diagnosis through this panel enables timely and targeted treatment, improving long-term kidney outcomes."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeKidney Biopsy Tissue Specimens (3 specimens required)
Sample Volume3 separate biopsy specimens
Container1 specimen in buffered normal saline for DIF; 1 specimen in 10% formal saline for histopathology; 1 specimen in 3% buffered glutaraldehyde solution for electron microscopy
Collection MethodKidney biopsy procedure performed by a nephrologist or urologist

Sample Stability

Buffered normal saline specimen (DIF): Refrigerated (2-8°C), process within 24 hours
10% formal saline specimen (Histopathology): Room temperature, stable for extended period
3% Buffered Glutaraldehyde specimen (EM): Refrigerated (2-8°C), process within 24 hours
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Specimens not preserved in the correct solutions as specified
  • Insufficient tissue quantity for all panel components
  • Missing or incomplete requisition form (Form 5 or Form 6)
  • Specimens received without proper labelling or identification
  • Specimens shipped at room temperature when refrigerated transport is required
  • Exceeding recommended specimen stability timeframes

Understanding Your Results

The results of the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test provide a comprehensive morphological and immunological evaluation of kidney tissue. Findings should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's clinical history, laboratory results, and imaging studies. A qualified pathologist reviews all components of the panel to arrive at a diagnosis. The following are general interpretive guidelines:
📊

No significant histopathological abnormalities detected in glomeruli, tubules, interstitium, or vessels. Correlate with clinical presentation.

📊

No immune complex or complement deposition detected. This finding may be seen in non-immune-mediated kidney diseases.

📊

Findings are consistent with IgA nephropathy. Correlation with light microscopy and clinical history is recommended.

📊

May indicate antibody-mediated rejection in the transplanted kidney. Clinical correlation and donor-specific antibody testing are recommended.

📊

Suggests polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BK virus nephropathy), particularly relevant in transplant recipients. Immunosuppressive therapy may need adjustment.

📊

May indicate thin basement membrane disease (benign familial hematuria) or early Alport syndrome. Clinical and genetic correlation is advised.

📊

Suggests immune complex-mediated disease. Location of deposits (subepithelial, subendothelial, mesangial) helps classify the specific glomerular disease.

📊

May indicate fibrillary glomerulonephritis or immunotactoid glomerulonephritis. Further characterization with immunohistochemistry is recommended.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your nephrologist or treating physician if you experience symptoms such as persistent swelling in the legs or feet, foamy urine, blood in urine, unexplained fatigue, decreased urine output, or rising blood pressure. If you have a kidney transplant and experience decreased urine output or rising creatinine levels, seek immediate medical evaluation. Always discuss biopsy results with your doctor for appropriate clinical interpretation and treatment planning.

Limitations

  • This test requires an invasive biopsy procedure which carries inherent procedural risks
  • Adequate tissue sample is essential; insufficient specimens may lead to inconclusive results
  • Results must be correlated with clinical history, laboratory findings, and imaging studies for definitive diagnosis
  • Some conditions may require follow-up biopsies for disease monitoring
  • Turnaround time of 22 working days may not be suitable for acute emergencies requiring immediate diagnosis

Risks & Considerations

  • Pain or discomfort at the biopsy site
  • Bleeding from the biopsy site (most common complication)
  • Blood in urine (hematuria) which usually resolves within a few days
  • Rare risk of arteriovenous fistula formation at the biopsy site
  • Infection at the biopsy site (rare with proper technique)
  • Very rare risk of pneumothorax if the biopsy is guided near the lower ribs

Interfering Factors

  • Improper tissue fixation or preservation may compromise sample quality
  • Delay in specimen transport may affect ultrastructural integrity for electron microscopy
  • Insufficient tissue sample may limit the completeness of the panel evaluation
  • Previous use of certain medications may alter tissue morphology and immune deposit patterns

Compare With Similar Tests

TestHistopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 TestKidney Function Test (KFT/RFT)Urine Routine and MicroscopySerum Creatinine and eGFRComplement Levels (C3, C4) Blood Test
ComparisonHistopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test?
The Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test is a comprehensive diagnostic panel that examines kidney tissue obtained through biopsy using multiple techniques including light microscopy, special stains, direct immunofluorescence (DIF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), digital photography, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It provides a thorough analysis for diagnosing a wide range of kidney diseases.
Why is the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test recommended?
This test is recommended for the evaluation of patients with undiagnosed kidney disease, to monitor disease progression or response to therapy, to diagnose immune-mediated kidney diseases, and to evaluate transplanted kidneys for acute rejection, infection, or recurrent disease. It is especially valuable when standard tests cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.
What samples are required for this test?
Three separate kidney biopsy specimens are required: one specimen in buffered normal saline for DIF studies, one specimen in 10% formal saline for histopathology, and one specimen in 3% buffered glutaraldehyde solution for electron microscopy. All specimens must be shipped refrigerated.
How long does it take to receive the test report?
The complete report for the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test is typically available within 22 working days from the date of sample receipt. Reports can be accessed through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
What is the cost of the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test in India?
The cost of the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test in India is INR 13500 at DNA Labs India. This price includes all panel components — histopathology, special stains, DIF, IHC, photomicrograph, and electron microscopy — along with free home sample collection.
Is fasting required for this test?
No, fasting is not required for the Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 3 Test. However, a brief clinical history in the appropriate requisition form (Form 5 for native kidneys or Form 6 for transplant biopsies) is mandatory before sample submission.
What diseases can this test help diagnose?
This panel can help diagnose a wide range of kidney conditions including glomerulonephritis (IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, lupus nephritis), Alport disease, thin basement membrane disease, fibrillary glomerulonephritis, immunotactoid glomerulonephritis, dense deposit disease, transplant rejection, and polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, among others.
What is Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and why is it important in this panel?
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyzes renal parenchyma at very high magnifications, allowing visualization of ultrastructural features not visible under light microscopy. It is critical for diagnosing conditions such as Alport disease, thin basement membrane disease, fibrillary glomerulonephritis, immunotactoid glomerulonephritis, and dense deposit disease. TEM is also useful for detecting recurrence or de novo diseases in renal allografts.
Can this test detect kidney transplant rejection?
Yes, this panel is particularly valuable for evaluating kidney transplant biopsies. The IHC marker C4d helps identify antibody-mediated rejection, while SV40 staining detects polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. The overall histopathological evaluation, along with DIF and TEM findings, helps determine the presence of acute rejection, infection, or recurrent disease in the transplanted kidney.
What requisition form is needed for this test?
A Renal Biopsy-Native Kidneys Requisition Form (Form 5) is required for native kidney biopsies, and a Renal Allograft/Transplant Biopsy Requisition Form (Form 6) is required for transplant kidney biopsies. A brief clinical history must be provided on the applicable form — this is mandatory for processing the test.
Is this test covered under health insurance or government schemes?
Coverage for this test depends on individual insurance policies and government scheme terms. You should check with your insurance provider or the relevant scheme authority (PMJAY, CGHS, ECHS, ESIC) for specific coverage details regarding histopathology and biopsy-related diagnostic tests.
Is the kidney biopsy procedure painful, and what are the risks?
The kidney biopsy is performed under local anaesthesia and imaging guidance, so discomfort is generally minimal. Some patients may experience mild pain or soreness at the biopsy site. Potential risks include bleeding (the most common complication), blood in the urine, infection, and rarely arteriovenous fistula formation. Your doctor will discuss all risks before the procedure and provide post-biopsy care instructions.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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