MBR Health offers a comprehensive range of image-guided diagnostic and minimally invasive procedures, providing a complete diagnostic pathway for patients and referring clinicians. From tissue biopsies and fine needle aspirations to fluid drainage and lumbar puncture, our procedures are performed under image guidance to ensure precision, safety and accuracy. Local anaesthetic is offered as standard to minimise patient discomfort, and our team ensures every patient feels informed and supported throughout their care.
Ultrasound-guided Thyroid BiopsyBiopsy and fine needle aspiration are minimally invasive procedures used to obtain tissue or cell samples from a lump, nodule or mass for laboratory analysis. They are commonly performed to investigate abnormal findings identified on imaging, confirm or exclude malignancy and guide treatment planning.
MBR Health performs biopsy and/or FNA across a broad range of sites including:
The type of sampling procedure recommended will depend on the site and clinical indication — your referring clinician and our team will advise which is most appropriate for your situation. All procedures are performed in a safe outpatient setting under image guidance with local anaesthetic.
Samples are sent to a pathology laboratory with results typically available within seven days, though turnaround time may vary depending on the laboratory and the complexity of the sample.
Image-guided drainage and aspiration procedures are used to remove fluid collections from the body for diagnostic analysis, symptomatic relief or both. MBR Health performs drainage and aspiration for abscesses, cyst aspiration and ascites. Local anaesthetic is used throughout. Fluid samples are sent to a pathology laboratory where indicated, with results typically available within seven days.
A lumbar puncture involves the insertion of a fine needle into the lower back to access the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. It is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Diagnostically, cerebrospinal fluid is collected and sent for laboratory analysis to investigate conditions such as infection, inflammation and neurological disease. Therapeutically, lumbar puncture can be used to relieve elevated intracranial pressure. The procedure is performed under image guidance with local anaesthetic. Results are typically available within seven days depending on the tests requested.
Diagnostic nerve blocks involve the precise injection of local anaesthetic around a specific spinal or peripheral nerve to determine whether that nerve is the source of a patient’s pain. They are commonly used in the investigation of complex spinal and peripheral pain conditions where the origin of pain is unclear.
At MBR Health, diagnostic nerve blocks are performed for spinal and peripheral nerve assessment under image guidance, providing reliable diagnostic information to guide further management and treatment planning.
Diagnostic procedures at MBR Health are performed following referral from a GP or specialist. The following are common situations where your doctor may recommend a diagnostic procedure as part of your care pathway.
The information on this page is intended as general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. The clinical scenarios described above are provided as a general guide to the potential applications of diagnostic procedures at MBR Health and do not imply that any specific procedure is appropriate for every patient described.
All diagnostic procedures at MBR Health are performed following referral from a GP or specialist and require appropriate clinical assessment to determine suitability. Procedures carry potential risks and benefits that will be discussed with you prior to treatment as part of the informed consent process.
Imaging reports and procedure findings describe observations for your treating clinician — diagnoses, treatment decisions and clinical management are made by your treating medical practitioner in the context of your full clinical history and individual circumstances.
If imaging or clinical examination has identified a lump, nodule or mass that requires further investigation, your doctor may recommend a biopsy or fine needle aspiration to obtain a tissue or cell sample for laboratory analysis. This may include a thyroid nodule, breast lump, swollen lymph node, soft tissue mass or bone lesion. A biopsy or FNA helps determine whether a finding is benign or malignant, guiding further clinical management.
If imaging has identified an abnormal fluid collection — such as an abscess, cyst or fluid in the abdomen — your doctor may recommend a drainage or aspiration procedure to remove the fluid for diagnostic analysis, symptomatic relief or both. In some cases, collected fluid will be sent to a pathology laboratory for further analysis.
If your neurologist or specialist requires a cerebrospinal fluid sample to investigate a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis, suspected infection, inflammation or abnormal intracranial pressure, a lumbar puncture may be recommended. Lumbar puncture may also be performed therapeutically to relieve elevated intracranial pressure. In most cases, your CSF will be sent to a pathology laboratory for further analysis.
If you are experiencing complex or persistent pain and your doctor wishes to confirm whether a specific spinal or peripheral nerve is responsible, a diagnostic nerve block may be recommended. A precise injection of local anaesthetic around the suspected nerve can help confirm the pain source and guide further treatment planning. At MBR this may be performed in conjunction with MRI NerveVIEW for further understanding of your pain.
Image-guided diagnostic procedures at MBR Health Diagnostic procedures are minimally invasive interventions performed under image guidance to obtain tissue or fluid samples for laboratory analysis, or to relieve fluid collections causing discomfort. They are commonly requested when imaging identifies an abnormality that requires further investigation, or when a clinical diagnosis requires tissue or fluid confirmation.
At MBR Health, diagnostic procedures complement our advanced diagnostic imaging services, providing a seamless care pathway.
Ultrasound at MBR Health Our diagnostic procedures are performed within a comprehensive diagnostic radiology facility, meaning pre-procedure imaging, the procedure itself and post-procedure follow-up imaging can all be performed in the same location. Advanced image guidance is used for all procedures, ensuring precise needle placement, minimising risk and improving diagnostic accuracy. Local anaesthetic is offered as standard and our experienced clinical team ensures every procedure is performed with care, precision and patient comfort in mind.
Dr Zane Sherif, Specialist Radiologist Diagnostic procedures at MBR Health are performed by Dr Zane Sherif, supported by our senior radiographers, sonographers and dedicated modality nursing staff. Our nursing team provides specialist assistance across complex procedures, ensuring every patient receives attentive, skilled care throughout. All procedures are conducted under image guidance within our comprehensive diagnostic radiology facility, ensuring a safe, precise and comfortable experience.
Most diagnostic procedures require no special preparation. Our team will provide specific instructions when you book, including any fasting requirements for your particular procedure. Please bring your referral and a list of current medications, particularly blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications and diabetes medications. Please inform our team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any known allergies.
On arrival you will be asked to complete a brief health questionnaire and consent form. Our team will explain the procedure clearly before it begins and answer any questions you may have. Local anaesthetic is administered to minimise discomfort. Most procedures take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the type and complexity. Dr Zane Sherif and our senior clinical team will monitor you throughout.
Most patients can return to normal activities shortly after their procedure. Some procedures may require a brief period of observation before discharge.
If tissue or fluid samples were collected, these will be sent to a local pathology laboratory with results typically available within seven days and sent directly to your referring doctor. Your report will also be accessible through the MBR Health patient portal. Please contact our team if you experience unexpected pain, swelling, fever or any other concerns following your procedure.