Method of extracting DNA from fine needle aspirates of human solid tumors for Southern blot analysis

A rapid, simple, convenient method for extracting DNA from fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples of human solid tumors for Southern blot hybridization studies is described. After the preparation of an air-dried cytologic smear, the remaining sample in the needle was rinsed directly into a test tube for DNA extraction. The extraction procedure, in which manipulation of the sample is minimized, produced sufficient DNA for Southern blot analysis within 24 hours of the FNA biopsy in the ten consecutive cases studied. The DNA bound to the nylon membranes can be washed and reexamined with a variety of probes, allowing studies of lymphoid cell lineage, oncogene amplification or tumor progression. The assessment of cellularity on the cytologic specimen at the time of FNA provided a reliable guide to the need for further passes to obtain sufficient cells for DNA hybridization; the cytologic diagnosis could also be made on the smears.