Fine Needle Aspirations Basic Instructions

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy General Information

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of superficial palpable lesions

Principle:

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a minimally invasive, cost-effective procedure that procures cellular material for diagnosis using suction or non-suction techniques with a fine needle, usually 23 gauge and above. Possible superficial palpable sites include breast, thyroid, parotid, and neck among others.

The accuracy of FNAB depends upon the site and type of lesion sampled, the operator’s experience, the quality of specimen preparation, and the pathologist’s diagnostic skills.

Refer to the physician guide on pages 9.9-9.19 for detailed instructions.


Deep organ fine needle aspiration

Principle:

Cytologic studies are performed on deep organ FNA (lung, kidney, pancreas, liver, adrenal gland, or abdominal mass) by FNA to detect neoplasia or exclude malignancy or infection.

Collection and Submission:

  1. These aspirations require visualization, usually from CAT scan, but may also be done by Fluoroscopy and Sonography. The radiologist or pulmonologist obtains them.
  2. Material collected in the syringe from the first pass is rinsed in CytoLyt solution, and the remaining passes are rinsed in formalin for cell block.
  3. Submission of two slides from one pass, immediately immersed in 95% ethanol, is optional.
  4. If a quantity of fluid is obtained during aspiration, it may also be submitted to the lab for further processing by adding it to CytoLyt solution.
  5. An electronic order is placed, and/or the Non-Gyn Cytology requisition is completed.
  6. The slides and/or CytoLyt solution are labeled with the patient’s full name, second identifier (DOB or MR#), and source, including specific location and laterality if applicable, and are sent to Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services with the completed Non-Gyn Cytology requisition or printed paper copy of the electronic order.
  7. Immediate adequacy assessment of the specimen by a cytotechnologist or pathologist is available when prescheduled by calling Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services at 941-8200.
  8. If the lesion is suspected to be a lymphoma, the specimen should be put into Flow Cytometry RPMI media (orange-topped tube) and submitted to Flow Cytometry.
  9. If the lesion is suspected to be inflammatory, an additional needle pass should be taken, and all material can be expressed into a separate sterile container and submitted to microbiology.