BACKGROUND: Core biopsy has replaced fine needle aspiration cytology in the assessment of breast lumps to diagnose malignancy and is now standard of care in developed countries. Unfortunately, cost of core biopsy system is a major limitation in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This prompted us to devise and appraise a low-cost technique of core biopsy using negative pressure. METHODS: We devised and prospectively evaluated a simple model of core biopsy (vacuum assisted core needle biopsy-VACNB) using a 50 ml syringe, a 10 ml syringe and a 14G needle. RESULTS: 57 consecutive women (median age 42.66 years) with breast lumps (median diameter 5.2 cm) underwent VACNB. The sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy was 92%, specificity was 100%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.98%. The positive predictive value of this technique was 100%, and negative predictive value was 63.64%. The cost (~ 5.5 USD) of the system was significantly less than the cost of core biopsy needle (~ 41.00 USD) and vacuum assisted breast biopsy needle (~ 341.00 USD) in India. CONCLUSION: Frugal innovations are needed to overcome cost constraints in LMICs. Our low-cost VACNB technique is easy to use and accurate.
BACKGROUND: Core biopsy has replaced fine needle aspiration cytology in the assessment of breast lumps to diagnose malignancy and is now standard of care in developed countries. Unfortunately, cost of core biopsy system is a major limitation in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This prompted us to devise and appraise a low-cost technique of core biopsy using negative pressure. METHODS: We devised and prospectively evaluated a simple model of core biopsy (vacuum assisted core needle biopsy-VACNB) using a 50 ml syringe, a 10 ml syringe and a 14G needle. RESULTS: 57 consecutive women (median age 42.66 years) with breast lumps (median diameter 5.2 cm) underwent VACNB. The sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy was 92%, specificity was 100%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.98%. The positive predictive value of this technique was 100%, and negative predictive value was 63.64%. The cost (~ 5.5 USD) of the system was significantly less than the cost of core biopsy needle (~ 41.00 USD) and vacuum assisted breast biopsy needle (~ 341.00 USD) in India. CONCLUSION: Frugal innovations are needed to overcome cost constraints in LMICs. Our low-cost VACNB technique is easy to use and accurate.