Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Using an 18-Gauge Automated Needle Is Not Optimal.

Background: As percutaneous renal biopsies (PRBs) are increasingly performed by radiologists, an increase in the use of 18-gauge automated needle stands to compromise adequacy. We compare the adequacy and safety of PRB with 14-, 16-, and 18-gauge automated needles.

Methods: PRB of native (N-592) and transplant (T-1,023) kidneys was performed from January 2002 to December 2019 using real-time ultrasound.