Determining Adequacy
Determining adequacy is fast simple and billable. Reduce your unsatisfactory FNAs and repeat biopsies by determining adequacy while the patient waits. Many of our endocrinologists have chosen to use our system to determine adequacy of their thyroid FNAs. The method is fast and easy. The procedure consists of 4 small jars and takes less than 5 minutes.
A study done at Yale University School of Medicine has shown, "that on site adequacy assessment of thyroid FNAs significantly reduces the number of nondiagnostic (unsatisfactory) aspirates.”
We can train any of your office staff to perform the staining process. All you have to do is take a look at the slides. If you think there is adequate material you stop there. However, if you think the sample needs to be more cellular you can do more passes. Patients would rather wait this extra period of time than to have to schedule another appointment.
A University of Pennsylvania study showed that up to 32% of FNAs in various organs (thyroid, breast, lung etc) might be unsatisfactory due to scant cellularity and poor preparation. The author of this study goes on to say, “onsite cytopathologic evaluation of FNA specimens is accurate, cost-effective, and has improved patient care”
Here is how the procedure can be done. Many of our clients perform two passes into the lesion. After each pass two slides are prepared and the needle is rinsed into a liquid fixative. One slide is placed directly into a container with ethanol while the other is left to air dry for rapid staining and evaluation of adequacy. This process is repeated. The 2 stained slides are reviewed by you once we train you to make the determination of adequacy.
Dr. Mark Lupo of Sarasota Florida has been determining on-site adequacy for about three years, stated “local physicians are referring more patients now because we have a very low unsatisfactory rate”
