Fine needle aspiration biopsy of superficial sites in patients with hemostatic defects.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the incidence and types of complications of fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of superficial sites in patients with uncorrected congenital or acquired hemostatic defects.


METHODS
All patients with hemostatic defects who were seen in a community-based, private fine needle aspiration and medical laboratory practice were identified. Prospectively and retrospectively collected data concerning complications, biopsy findings and laboratory data on the hemostatic defects were collated and analyzed.


RESULTS
Twenty-one patients encountered over a period of about nine years were identified. Warfarin sodium therapy was the most common cause of a hemostatic defect (12 patients), and lymph nodes were the most often aspirated structure (7 patients). Other than a small echymosis in one patient, there were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
FNAB of superficial sites using the technique described is a safe procedure in patients with uncorrected hemostatic defects.
Jadusingh
I H
IH
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Calgary General Hospital, Alberta, Canada.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000925:Anticoagulants