UNSATISFACTORY ASPIRATES FROM FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSIES - A REVIEW

While there is much evidence that fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is sensitive and specific, there is little information comparing the proportions of unsatisfactory aspirates obtained by clinicians or path ologists. We reviewed 2,199 FNAB reports of superficial lesions. Cases were grouped by organ/site and according to who performed the biopsy. The proportions of unsatisfactory aspirates were computed for clinici ans and pathologists. Both groups performed approximately equal number s of procedures. Overall, 9% of aspirates obtained were unsatisfactory (n = 191). Pathologists had lower proportions of unsatisfactory aspir ates in all sites. Of aspirates obtained by clinicians, 14% were unsat isfactory, compared to 3% of those obtained by pathologists (P < .0000 1). The proportion of unsatisfactory aspirates appears to decrease as physician experience increases, and pathologists may have more experie nce with FNAB than do clinicians. Other advantages pathologists may ha ve include technique and working with tissue regularly. Both clinician s and pathologists can expect to decrease their proportions of unsatis factory aspirates by performing FNABs frequently. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.