Nonaspiration fine needle cytology. Application of a new technique to nodular thyroid disease.

The basic principle underlying fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the aspiration of cellular material from target masses, often utilizing fairly high suction pressures. The procedure requires a needle and a syringe, advisedly held in a syringe holder, enabling single-handed suction to be exercised. Mastery of the technique is variable, with few operators acquiring consistent skill. A new technique, pioneered in France but essentially unpublicized, eliminates active aspiration, replacing it by the principle of capillary suction of fluid or semifluid material into a thin channel (a fine needle). This nonaspiration sampling method was tested in a consecutive series of 50 solid thyroid nodules. Simultaneously performed conventional FNAs served as controls. Cell samples were cytologically assessed as unsuitable, diagnostic/adequate or diagnostic/superior, without knowledge of the sampling method employed. Diagnostically superior specimens were obtained significantly more frequently by the nonaspiration technique in 36 benign lesions and 13 neoplasms. The method of nonaspiration fine needle cytology ("cytopuncture") is described and illustrated, and the implications for its use in other sites are discussed.