Quality improvement by standardization of procurement and processing of thyroid fine-needle aspirates in the absence of on-site cytological evaluation.
Author(s): Sidiropoulos N, Dumont LJ, Golding AC, Quinlisk FL, Gonzalez JL, Padmanabhan V
Publication: Thyroid, 2009, Vol. 19, Page 1049-52
PubMed ID: 19732010 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
Conclusion of Paper
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of standardizing TN FNA collection and preparation methods on specimen quality.
Summary of Findings:
Prestandardization methods included collection by multiple physicians, variable use of ultrasound guidance, different needle gauges, and between 2 and 25 air-dried and/or fixed smears per FNA, generated by multiple individuals. Poststandardization methods included collection by one physician, use of ultrasound guidance, a 25-guage needle, four passes resulting in 4 smears (2 air-dried and 2 fixed) prepared by a single nurse and additional material for BD SurePath liquid-based preparation, cell block, and hematoxylin and eosin analysis. While methods were not analyzed individually, specimens categorized as having satisfactory quality increased significantly from 67% to 89% (p<0.0001) after all standardized collection and preparation methods were implemented.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- Other Preservative
Diagnoses:
- Neoplastic - Benign
- Neoplastic - Carcinoma
- Neoplastic - Lymphoma
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Morphology Light microscopy Morphology H-and-E microscopy Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Needle gauge 22-27
25
Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Type of slide Air-dried
Fixed
Biospecimen Acquisition Method of tissue acquisition Fine needle aspiration
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration