What is SkyLab?
A skin biopsy or excision is often required if a concern cannot be diagnosed visually. The skin sample is then sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.
With the public system (DHB – Auckland only, Awanui Labs – Wellington, Richmond, Queenstown and Dunedin) results can take 3–4+ weeks to come back. During that time, patients are left waiting with uncertainty.
That’s why we offer Skylab: a faster private pathology service available exclusively at Skin Institute.
- SkyLab is offered as a private (self paying) optional service.
Why choose SkyLab?
At Skin Institute, we believe patients should be given all options as part of informed consent. With SkyLab, you have the choice to receive your pathology results much faster:
- Auckland: within 3 working days
- Wellington: within 5 working days
- Queenstown: 5-7 working days
- Lab fee for biopsies and small excisions from $200
In the rare event that the pathologist requires more detailed analysis, and the results take longer than 7 working days, the laboratory fee will be waived.
Benefits of Faster Results
Choosing SkyLab can mean:
- Earlier removal of skin cancer if detected
- Reduced anxiety from long waiting times especially for PDEMA and MOHS surgical procedures
- Ability to plan ahead for surgery or treatment
- Better overall patient experience
For many, having certainty sooner makes a real difference.
How SkyLab works
- Consultation – If your doctor or nurse identifies a suspicious spot or skin issue, they may recommend a biopsy or excision.
- Sample collection – The skin sample is removed safely by our team and sent to Skylab for testing.
- Fast turnaround – Results are returned to your clinician within the Skylab timeframe for your location.
- Follow-up – Your doctor will discuss the results and treatment plan with you as soon as they are available.
Availability
SkyLab pathology services are available only at:
- Skin Institute Auckland clinics (Silverdale, Albany, Takapuna, NorthWest, New Lynn, Ponsonby, Remuera, Waiheke Island)
- Skin Institute Wellington
- Skin Institute Queenstown
Cost
Lab fee for biopsies and small excisions
From $200
Things to note
- SkyLab is offered as a private (self paying) optional service.
- If you prefer, you can still choose the standard DHB or Awanui (ex Auckland) pathology service, but results may take 3–4+ weeks.
- If additional detailed pathology testing is required and results take longer than 7 working days, your SkyLab lab fee will be waived.
FAQ
- Do I have to use SkyLab?
- No – SkyLab is an optional service. Patients may choose the standard DHB lab or Awanui service instead, but this can take significantly longer.
- Does faster mean less accurate?
- Not at all. SkyLab provides the same high-quality, accredited pathology analysis.
- What if my results take longer than 7 days?
- In rare cases where the pathologist requires extra testing and results exceed 7 working days, the SkyLab lab fee will be waived.
