Routine use of ThinPrep((R)) method in fine-needle aspiration material as an adjunct to standard smears

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of routine use of Th inPrep((R)) in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material as an adjunct to stand ard smears. We reviewed 50 consecutive. satisfactory-for-evaluation FNA mat erials in which ThinPrep((R)) slides were obtained. In each case, Diff-Quik -stained and Papanicolaou-stained smears were initially prepared, and the T hinPrep((R)) slide was made from the needle/syringe rinse. Smears and ThinP rep((R)) slides were evaluated for the presence of diagnostic material. In addition, the following questions were addressed: could the final diagnosis be made based on smears only, and did the ThinPrep((R)) method add any add itional information to the diagnosis? Smears were satisfactory for evaluati on in 49/50 cases, and in one case diagnostic material was present on the T hinPrep((R)) slide only. Thirty-two out of 50 ThinPrep((R)) slides containe d material sufficient for evaluation. In 46/50 (92%) cases, final diagnoses could be made based on smears only, In 2 cases, ThinPrep((R)) slides showe d additional diagnostic material, and in another 2 Cases were critical for the diagnosis. The routine use of ThinPrep((R)) as an adjunct preparatory m ethod to FNA material is not justified, and is associated with an additiona l, potentially nonreimbursable cost. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.