Processing of aspiration cytology samples. An alternative method.

Cytotechnologists usually assist in smear preparation during radiologic fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures. An alternative technique is presented that requires neither cytotechnologist participation nor immediate processing. In 111 consecutive patients undergoing FNA procedures, the aspirate was immediately fixed in 50% ethanol. The specimen was refrigerated and later processed in the laboratory as cell block preparations, which often maintained the original histologic architecture, and smears, which demonstrated good nuclear detail without air-drying artifacts. In our patients, this technique was 95% sensitive and 100% specific for the diagnosis of malignancy.