[Optimization of the fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules- automatic aspirator versus manual technique]
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Updated: May 31, 2026
Preparation and Using Phantom Lesions to Practice Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies
Published on: September 29, 2009
James Nagarajah1, S-Y Sheu-Grabellus, C Leitzen
1Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. james.nagarajah@uk-essen.de
Objective:
Optimization of a specially developed automatic microaspirator for fine-needle aspiration of suspicious thyroid nodules.
Patients, Method:
In a preliminary test biopsy effectiveness was evaluated in 20 native resected thyroid glands in vitro with both a Cameco® gun and a specially designed microaspirator respectively. In addition in both techniques two different needles (21-G and 27-G) were used to evaluate the influence of these two cannula. Subsequently, 103 thyroid nodules were biopsied in vivo and compared the results with a preliminary series of the same physician. In the workup and evaluation of the cytology the ThinPrep® technology was used.
Results:
In vitro the automatic microaspirator was superior to Cameco gun in both when using the 21-Gauge and the 27-Gauge needle. In terms of needle sizes a statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level was evident for both comparisons in favor of 21-gauge needle. In vivo, 91% of punctures with the microaspirator were usable, while in the pre-series only 84% were usable (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
The automatic microaspirator is superior to the manual aspiration. Moreover, under sonographic control it is more convenient, to biopsy even very small nodules and lesiosn (down to 4 mm in diameter).
