FNAC in the 'field'- a new experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important diagnostic test in thyroid diseases. It usually is undertaken at a hospital or laboratory setup. As part of an islandwide field based study, FNAC was undertaken in the field. Literature review revealed that FNAC accuracy rate was around 65-70% in most Centres with full-fledged facilities. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of FNAC done in the field DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: Informed written consent was obtained and the goitre was delineated with a marker pen. FNAC was carried out by a trained team member in the standard manner. Four slides were prepared from each patient. All slides were processed and examined by a cytologist RESULTS: 308 FNAC were done. 226 FNAC were diagnostic (73.36%) and 82(26.64%) were non diagnostic. 62(23.8%) showed benign cells only. The pathological entities detected were: 112 (49.5%) auto immune thyroiditis, 32 (14.1%) colloid storing nodules, 14(6.1%) colloid storing nodules with autoimmune thyroiditis, 5 (2.2%) follicular lesions and one toxic lesion. There were no significant complications noted in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Field FNAC has a high diagnostic accuracy if done by a trained person. It is a safe procedure in the field.