Clinical comparison of small-and large-caliber cutting needles for biopsy.

A 22 gauge "skinny core" (Madayag) biopsy needle, an 18 gauge Menghini needle, and a 14 gauge Tru-cut needle were compared in 51 patients. The Madayag needle was found to have a high recovery rate and provided adequate histological information in a large percentage of cases. However, the larger needles more consistently demonstrated a higher recovery rate and diagnostic specimen than the Madayag needle. The authors recommend that the radiologist become familiar with all three types of needles to facilitate selection of the proper instrument in each case.