CHANGING TO CORE BIOPSY IN AN NHS BREAST SCREENING UNIT

We recently changed from using fine needle aspiration cytology to usin g core biopsy exclusively in the assessment of screen detected abnorma lities. Two hundred and two biopsies (1% of women screened) were perfo rmed. Surgical histological confirmation was obtained in 111 patients (101 malignant and 10 benign), The remaining patients were either retu rned to standard S-yearly screening or early repeat screening after I year, Analysis of the results was performed in accordance with the sta ndards specified in the National Health Service Breast Screening Progr amme (NHSBSP) Publication Number 22, Absolute sensitivity was 89.3%, c omplete sensitivity was 93.2%, specificity (including patients undergo ing both surgical excision and follow-up) was 88.7%, The predictive va lue of a positive (malignant) core biopsy result was 100%. The false n egative rate was 3.9%. Twelve (5.9%) biopsies were classified inadequa te for diagnosis, Core biopsy is a safe and accurate way of assessing screen detected abnormalities and can be used as a substitute for fine needle aspiration cytology with results that exceed the National Heal th Service Breast Screening Programme target standards, even in the le arning phase.