THE TRIPLE TEST - A COST-EFFECTIVE DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL

The triple test (TT), comprising fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), physical examination, and mammography, is a financially important dia gnostic modality in the capitation era. During 31 months, 43 patients in the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic had 46 temporally congruent phy sical examinations, mammograms, FNABs, and biopsies with histopatholog ic results. False-negative rates for physical examination were 4.3%; f or mammography, morgraphy, 2.2%; and for FNAB, 2.3%. False-positive ra tes for physical examination were 15.2%; and for mammography, 15.2%; a nd for FNAB, 0. The TT results presented in this study are essentially identical to those reported elsewhere. The TT is demonstrably more ac curate than physical examination, and mammography, either alone or in various double combinations. Monetary savings are substantial when FNA B data are used in patient management algorithms based upon the TT. Th is is the fourth and final article in the CE Update series on cytology . Look for the CE Update exam in this issue.