Value of biomedical scientists providing on-site specimen adequacy assessment for fine-needle aspirations

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is accepted as a first-line investigation in patients with superficial or deep-seated mass lesions. One of the fundamental principles of successful aspiration is harvesting sufficient numbers of cells that are representative of the lesion being investigated. Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides FNA services to Christie Hospital, including non-attended and biomedical scientist-attended aspirations, some of which are assessed on-site for specimen adequacy. This study audits the FNA coverage provided to Christie Hospital by exploring the contribution of biomedical scientist on-site specimen adequacy assessment to successful aspirations and identifies potential areas for service improvement such that unsatisfactory sampling is reduced. Satisfactory sampling rates varied between biomedical scientist-attended (79%) and non-attended (70%) procedures. Within the former group, 100% satisfactory sampling was achieved with on-site assessment, falling to 77% without on-site assessment. The highest unsatisfactory sampling rate was identified at 33% for thyroid aspirations in endocrinology, while rates elsewhere varied between 21% and 23%. This audit demonstrated the value of on-site specimen adequacy assessment as the ultimate goal of any FNA is to negate the need for more invasive procedures. In terms of flexibility and economic value, having adequately trained biomedical scientists to perform on-site assessment is quite feasible. Extending this biomedical scientist-led service to other departments would reduce unsatisfactory sample rates and the requirement for more invasive procedures.