Why the test is performed
To obtain a minimally invasive cellular sample from a palpable or image-guided lesion.
World time
Laboratory Testing Online / Histopathology & Cytology
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
To obtain a minimally invasive cellular sample from a palpable or image-guided lesion.Test profileHIFine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
Test and specimen
What is being examined?
- Test
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
- Department
- Histopathology & Cytology
- Typical sample or measurement
- Cells aspirated from a lump or organ lesion
Before the test
Procedure preparation depends on the site and medicines such as anticoagulants; follow the clinical team’s instructions.
Clinical interpretation
Laboratory results should be interpreted by a qualified professional using the correct reference interval, method, symptoms, history and other findings. A normal or abnormal value rarely confirms or excludes a condition by itself.
What the test is used for
Assessing thyroid, lymph-node, breast, salivary-gland and other masses and guiding the need for further tissue sampling.
How the test is performed
A trained clinician inserts a fine needle into the target, prepares or preserves the cells, and a cytopathologist assesses adequacy and morphology.
Conditions and diseases considered
Used in benign, inflammatory, infectious and malignant lesion pathways; limited material may not permit definitive classification.
Recommended further tests
Core biopsy, flow cytometry, microbiology, immunocytochemistry, molecular tests or imaging correlation.
Primary public reference
Continue with the official patient guide.
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