Influence of training and experience in fine-needle aspiration biopsy of breast. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

In an effort to assess the influence of training and experience on the interpretation of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens, five observers with varying degrees of training and experience reviewed a series of 50 breast FNAB specimens. The cases selected were from the cytology registry of the University of California, San Francisco; all cases necessarily had histologic follow-up. By using receiver operating characteristics analysis, we were able to show that training and experience significantly influenced the interpretation of breast FNAB specimens. The two experts operated at a higher level of sensitivity and specificity than did three nonexperts. This study shows that training and experience are important in the interpretation of breast FNAB specimens. It also demonstrates the utility of receiver operating characteristics analysis in anatomic pathology.