FNAC- Fine Needle Aspiration cytology:
Why FNAC Cytology Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
The term FNAC stands for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is also sometimes referred to as FNAB is Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy is performed by a Cyto-pathologist or a surgeon under the guidance of ultrasound or X-ray. A FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) is a technique (it is a diagnostic procedure where the lump is first fixed in-between the fingers and the needle is inserted into the mass of cells and the contents are aspirated by the syringe by creating a negative pressure) used to investigate (Cytopathology) a mass or any lump for confirmation in a suspected differential diagnosis for a confirmatory definitive diagnosis eg. Suspected cancers, inflammatory conditions etc. A hollow needle is inserted into the suspected abnormal tissue mass, for a sampling of cells, which are then stained to examine under a microscope for suspected pathological (histopathological) studies. This test result aids to arrive to a confirmatory (definitive) diagnosis – i.e the nature of lump is determined (to find the nature of superficial swellings like, if cancerous in nature or inflammatory type) and also the effect of treatment (prognosis) is monitored. FNAC remains a useful tool in cases such as chorionic villus sampling, breast abscess, cysts in breast, seromas, neck lump, thyroid swellings, pathologies related to salivary glands, swollen or infected lymph nodes etc. Additional studies include EUS-FNA: Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspiration (used in case of malignant pancreatic cysts) and moreover cytological brushes have been developed for increasing the cellular content in the aspirates etc. Other additional tests include imaging studies like - CT scans, mammograms (in breast pathologies), ultrasound etc. Cytology is a study that examines the study of cells under a microscope. FNAC cytology is a test that examines the study of cells in the given FNAC sample specimen (Tissues from the affected areas - as directed by the physician or a pathologist) is studied under a microscopic examination. Hence a cytological examination of FNAC also helps to screen, for the identification of the presence of harmful infectious micro-organisms along with inflammatory cells like Pus with WBCs etc. The identification of the infectious causative agent is thus reported in test results (eg. Gram-positive or Gram-negative) helps to arrive at a definite diagnosis for starting effective medication (such as broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum antibiotics) against it. Usually, the cytology studies also reveal if the exudative effusion from given the sample specimen contains any cancerous cells (Lung cancer among chronic smokers) or inflammatory cells (like WBCs, pus cells etc in TB - AFB, which are found in chronic respiratory infections). Symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing due to excess fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. Other tests include chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen – Tissues from the affected areas – As guided by the pathologist. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RTDIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
