An arthrogram is a medically imaging procedure used to help diagnose joint issues in clearer detail. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the skin and area around your affected joint, before contrast dye is injected into the joint. Images of the area are then taken using either CT or MRI.

This service is available at North Coast Radiology Ballina and Lismore and Clarence Valley Imaging Grafton.

A breast biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of breast tissue. A special needle is inserted into the breast under image guidance, and a tissue sample is removed and sent to a pathologist for testing. The results will advise whether or not the tissue is cancerous, and will help your doctor determine your treatment plan. 

This service is available at North Coast Radiology Ballina, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Lismore, and Clarence Valley Imaging Grafton.

Drainage is a procedure performed to remove a collection of fluid in the body. Fluid can build up in different parts of the body for various reasons, including infection, after trauma or surgery, joint swelling, lymph fluid and more. Local anaesthetic will numb the site before a needle will be inserted into the area to be drained. It is guided into place under imaging, normally ultrasound or CT. A plastic tube may also be inserted to drain the fluid.

Depending on the location of the drainage, this procedure can be performed at North Coast Radiology Ballina, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Lismore, and Clarence Valley Imaging Grafton. Contact us to confirm which clinic you may attend.

Epidural injections are used in pain management and involve a cortisone (steroid) injection in the spine, into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This procedure is performed by a radiologist using image guidance to ensure precise delivery. 

This service is available at North Coast Radiology Ballina and Lismore and Clarence Valley Imaging Grafton.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsies are similar procedures which involve taking a small amount of tissue of fluid from your body through a needle. The tissue samples can be used to help diagnose a range of conditions including cancer, infections, or non-cancerous masses.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy

This minimally invasive biopsy procedure involves inserting a fine needle into the affected area, and removing a small sample of cells. This is then sent to a pathologist for testing.

FNAs can be performed on almost any part of the body, but are commonly used to identify masses in the breast, thyroid and lymph nodes. FNAs can be performed using image guidance, which helps the radiologist ensure the needle is positioned accurately, and to help reach deeper parts of the body. If the sample tissue is not sufficient enough for a diagnosis, you may be referred for a repeat FNA or a core biopsy. 

Core Biopsy

Core biopsies are performed using a specialised needle to allow for a solid ‘core’ of tissue to be removed during the procedure, in comparison to the smaller sample of cells removed during an FNA biopsy.  The core sample is generally sufficient enough for a definitive diagnosis. 

These services are available at North Coast Radiology Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Goonellabah and Clarence Valley Imaging Grafton.

Hookwire localisation, also known as wire localisation or wire-guided localisation, is a technique used to precisely localise and guide the accurate removal of small abnormalities or lesions. It is a safe and effective technique which helps to ensure that the entire abnormality is excised while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure is commonly performed in the morning before surgical excision or surgical biopsy, particularly when the abnormality is difficult to feel or not easily visible on imaging. 

This service is available at North Coast Radiology Lismore Women's Health.

A lumbar puncture is a test which involves removing a small sample of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). During this procedure a needle is inserted into your lower back, into the space between two lumbar bones called vertebrae, and into the thecal sac. The opening pressure is measured, and a sample of CSF is removed, and then sent to pathology for analysis. This procedure is also known as a spinal tap, and can be used to help diagnose serious infections including meningitis or encephalitis, and some neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. 

This service is available at North Coast Radiology Ballina and Lismore, and Clarence Valley Imaging Grafton.