OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a modified technique of fine needle aspiration biopsy that eliminates needle manipulation after aspiration. STUDY DESIGN: Fine needle aspiration biopsy of 112 palpable lesions was performed using both the conventional and modified techniques. Cellularity, cell preservation and diagnostic yield of the new procedure were compared to those of the conventional technique. RESULTS: Cytologic smears prepared from each method were comparable in quality, quantity and diagnostic yield. CONCLUSION: The modified approach eliminates the hazard of needle manipulation without diminishing the diagnostic efficacy of fine needle aspiration biopsy.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a modified technique of fine needle aspiration biopsy that eliminates needle manipulation after aspiration. STUDY DESIGN: Fine needle aspiration biopsy of 112 palpable lesions was performed using both the conventional and modified techniques. Cellularity, cell preservation and diagnostic yield of the new procedure were compared to those of the conventional technique. RESULTS: Cytologic smears prepared from each method were comparable in quality, quantity and diagnostic yield. CONCLUSION: The modified approach eliminates the hazard of needle manipulation without diminishing the diagnostic efficacy of fine needle aspiration biopsy.