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Intervention (Breast Biopsy)

A biopsy is a procedure that removes small pieces of tissue from within the breast. A needle is guided into a breast nodule or other area of concern to take a small tissue sample, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please call us at 403-777-3076 if you need to reschedule.
  • Please let us know if you have a history of bleeding, or have had an allergic reaction to local freezing in the past.
  • We recommend you arrange for a driver to take you home after your appointment.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit (e.g., shirt and pants), so you can change for the exam more comfortably.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception and fill out a consent form.
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and given a robe.
  • We will escort you to the exam room where you will be greeted by the technologist.
  • The technologist will go over the consent form, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
  • We will perform a pre-scan to document the area of interest. Your breast area will need to be visible to your technologist for the exam.
  • The radiologist will administer local freezing and guide a thin needle into the correct location.
  • The radiologist will let you know when the procedure has begun. Band-Aids will be placed over treatment areas.
  • You will then be checked by the technologist and if there are no concerns, you are free to leave with your driver.
  • SPECIAL NOTE: The procedure may vary depending on the biopsy method:
    • Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) – A type of ultrasound-guided biopsy in which a very thin needle and syringe are used to remove (aspirate) a small amount of fluid or cells from a lesion.
    • Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy – A special hollow needle is used to take a small cylinder-shaped (core) sample of tissue from a lump or abnormality.
    • Stereotactic (Mammography-Guided) Core Biopsy – A needle is inserted into the breast to obtain a tissue sample of the area of interest to be sent for pathologic assessment. This exam is done under mammographic guidance and uses local freezing.
    • Wire Localization – A fine wire marks the exact location of an abnormality, before a surgeon removes a lump. Once the abnormality is localized within the breast tissue, a local freezing is used to numb the area. A thin wire with a hook on the end is inserted, either by mammographic or ultrasound guidance. Once the wire is correctly placed you will be ready for surgery. Sometimes the radiologist will ask for additional images before you leave the clinic to ensure the wire is in the correct position.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

Your doctor will receive the results directly from the pathologist. It usually takes 5-10 business days. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

DURATION

30-60 minutes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online Appointment Request

What We Do

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.

We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:

  • MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight

  • Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health

  • Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care

  • Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life

But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.

We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.

Who We Are.

To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.

At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

The Inside Story

WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.

Key Points:

  • Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.

  • Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.

  • Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).

  • Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.

Vision & Mission:

  • Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”

  • Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”