Liquid Based Cytology of Cell Remnants in Needles Used for Breast Fine Needle Aspiration

Avwioro Godwin, Iyiola Sina, Bankole Julius, Osiagwu Daniel, Muhammad Ahmad
DOI: 10.4236/jct.2010.14029                

Abstract

This study examined cells contained in needles used for the collection of breast fine needle aspirates for the detection of malignant cells trapped in the needles. Remnants of cells contained in 50 needles used for the collection of scanty breast fine needle aspirates were examined by the liquid based cytology technique and compared with the conventional cytological technique of specimens in the corresponding syringes. The breast specimens were collected with clean sterile needles attached to the syringes. Smears were made and stained by the conventional method. The needles were removed from the syringes and a fixative was withdrawn into the syringes and the syringes were recapped with the needles. The fixative containing the specimen was then completely discharged into a centrifuge tube through the needles and treated by the liquid based cytology technique. The study revealed that cells were found trapped in all the needles used for the collection of breast FNA. 6% of them were positive for malignancy, similar to results obtained in the conventional method. Needles used for the collection of breast FNA should be examined before malignancy is completely ruled out particularly in extremely scanty specimens with a clinical suspicion of malignancy.

Keywords

Liquid Based Cytology, Needle Cell Remnants, Fine Needle Aspiration, Breast

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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