Comparison of fine needle sampling by capillary action and fine needle aspiration.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and non-suction fine needle sampling (FNS) were performed consecutively in 107 lesions from 100 patients. The quality of diagnostic material was assessed using a scoring system based on the cellularity and amount of blood in the smear. The total score in the FNS group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of FNA technique. The FNS procedure is less traumatic and equally cost effective and can be safely undertaken in liver, orbital and thyroid lesions. In lymph nodes, especially in children, FNS gives an excellent cellular yield. However, this procedure can not be advocated in cystic, bony and fibrous lesions.