Fine-needle aspirate
Synonym(s): FNA
Introduction
- Diagnosis of superficial masses and enlarged lymph nodes by cytologic evaluation.
Uses
- Diagnosis of lymphadenopathy.
- Evaluation of superficial masses.
- Evaluation of intracavity masses.
Advantages
- Simple.
- Can be performed on conscious unsedated patient.
- Often yields definitive diagnosis.
Disadvantages
- Aspiration of intracavity masses may need to be guided by ultrasound, but can be done blindly on a palpable mass.
Alternative techniques
- Biopsy → punch core/wedge/tru-cut/jamshidi.
Time required
Preparation
- 1 minute.
Procedure
- 5 minutes - longer if more than one mass is sampled.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Enlarged nodes or superficial masses.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- McCullough S, Brinson J (1999) Collection and interpretation of respiratory cytology. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 14 (4), 220-6 PubMed.