A comparison of specimen adequacy in fine needle aspiration biopsies performed by pathologists, trained nursing staff and clinicians.
Fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) performed by trained professional nurses and pathology registrars in an FNAB clinic were compared with aspirates by clinicians from regional clinics and hospitals. Of the 7709 reports retrieved from the archives, the highest number of unsatisfactory aspirates came from clinicians (42%), followed by registrars (20.09%) while the nurses had the lowest overall unsatisfactory rate (14.32%). We conclude that, in countries experiencing a shortage of adequately qualified and experienced medical personnel, it is essential to train nurses to perform and manage FNAB clinics.
Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa. litheba.nteene@nhls.ac.za
Litheba M
LM
Nteene
Colleen A
CA
Wright
D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D009740:Nursing Staff; D010336:Pathology; D010820:Physicians; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000473:pathology; D013019:South Africa; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000473:pathology