VCP 511: Diagnostic Laboratory Section

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY

Procedure

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy can be performed using 23-25 G needle with 5 -20 ml syringe.
• A dry needle attached tightly to the syringe is inserted into the surface lesion/lymph node enlargement (Tumour mass/lymph node).
• The cellular mass and tissue fluids are aspirated and smears prepared immediately on glass slide are either wet fixed in absolute alcohol or dry fixed.

Precaution

• Both syringe and needle should be absolutely dry, since a small quantity of fluid may cause cellular distortion and artifacts.

Application

• To evaluate inflammation, hyperplasia and primary or metastatic tumour cells and diagnose theileriosis (Koch’s blue bodies can be seen by Leishman’s staining).