Biopsies

For a biopsy procedure at Allevia Radiology, you first need a referral from your doctor to be able to book an appointment for this scan.

Most needle biopsy procedures don’t require any preparation on your part. However, you will be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications in the days before your biopsy if you are prescribed to them. 

When you book your appointment, you will be advised of all preparation details, including which blood tests to arrange should you need them.

When you arrive at our facility, our team will get you prepared for your procedure so they will have optimal access to the area of interest, ensuring you’re comfortable and understand the process. 

The type of imaging you will undergo will depend on which part of your body is being biopsied. You may receive an anaesthetic around the area to numb it. In some cases, you may receive sedation or other medications to relax you during the procedure, all of which is dependent on the type of biopsy you’ve been scheduled for.

If you’re having a needle biopsy, the radiologist guides a needle through your skin and into the area of interest. A sample of tissue is collected and the needle is then withdrawn.  This may be repeated several times to ensure an adequate sample is obtained. You may experience mild discomfort during your needle biopsy, such as a sensation of pressure in the area.

Following the procedure, you will be transferred to Allevia Hospital's day-stay unit, where you will rest for a period of 2-4 hours. Observations, including blood pressure and pulse rate, will be taken to ensure no immediate complications.

Resumption of normal activities after the biopsy is dependent on the nature of the biopsy and you should discuss this with your radiologist. If you receive sedation as part of your anaesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

A biopsy may cause some discomfort, but it’s usually quick and manageable. 

For most biopsy types, such as needle biopsies, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, so you may only feel pressure or a brief sting. Some soreness or bruising can occur afterward, but it's typically mild and temporary. 

More invasive biopsies (like surgical ones) may require more recovery time, but as always, talk to your radiologist about what to expect for your specific type of biopsy.

The length of a biopsy procedure depends on the type and location, but most take less than an hour.

• Needle biopsies often take around 20–30 minutes.
• Image-guided biopsies may take a little longer due to scan time.
• Surgical biopsies can take an hour or more, especially if done under general anaesthesia.

You'll usually be monitored for a short time afterward, especially if sedation or imaging was involved. Our team will let you know what to expect for your specific biopsy when you book your appointment with us.

Yes, biopsies are generally safe. 

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks, such as bleeding, bruising, infection, or discomfort at the site, but serious complications are rare. The specific risk depends on the type of biopsy and the area being tested. Your radiologist will explain what to expect and how to care for the area afterward to minimise any issues, and ease any concerns you may have.

Patients can sometimes experience mild side effects after a biopsy procedure, though most are temporary. Common biopsy side effects include:

• Soreness or bruising at the site
• Minor bleeding or swelling
• A small risk of infection
• Discomfort during or after the procedure

More serious complications are rare, and the exact biopsy side effects depend on the type and location of the procedure. Your radiologist will explain how to care for the area and what to watch for after your procedure, as well as monitoring you for 2-3 hours after your procedure at our day-stay unit.

The time frame for biopsy results typically ranges from a few days to two weeks, depending on the type of biopsy and the complexity of the testing required. Simple biopsies (like skin or needle samples) may return results in 2-5 days, while more complex tissue analysis, especially for cancer, may take up to 10-14 days. Our team will let you know when to expect your results and may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss them with you and your GP should they need to.

For an estimated cost for your biopsy, please contact our team on customercare@alleviaradiology.co.nz with your referral, so they can give you an exact quote based on your specific needs.

Your recovery period depends on the type of biopsy. The least invasive procedures require no recovery time. If you receive sedation as part of your anaesthesia, you will usually need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Please check with our team when scheduling your appointment if you will need to organise someone to assist you in getting home.