University of Pennsylvania aspiration cart (Penn-A-Cart): an innovative journey in fine needle aspiration service.

On-site evaluation of fine needle aspiration specimens is now considered the standard of care. The procedure is performed at the bedside and at various other locations within the hospital using a mobile cart fitted with essentials, including a microscope, stains and supplies. Earlier, an open specimen cart was used with various supplies and a binocular microscope. The mobile cart during the past 25 years has been variously modified. A second-generation cart containing 2 folding pods, a double-headed microscope, supplies and stains had been used for the past 20 years; it did not meet the current regulatory standards and needs, and little attention was paid to meet the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and infection control standards. Also, the repeated lifting of the microscope resulted in much wear and tear. We have designed Penn-A-Cart, which has a pneumatic lift for the microscope, a high-definition camera with a TV screen and access to the Internet. It has a sharps container and storage space for supplies, stains and slides. This cart meets the various regulatory agency standards. It is user friendly and valuable for multiviewing. The cart is valuable for remote access, telecytopathology and improved patient care.