Cytopathology assistance for optimizing interventional diagnostic procedures

Herein, we review the components of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) and the mechanics of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) to prepare cytopathologists to assist radiologists in optimizing their diagnostic procedures. The performance of FNA differs among proceduralists (interventional radiologists, general radiologists, bronchoscopists, endoscopists, surgeons, and clinicians), organ systems, diseases, and cancer types. The discussion is necessarily broad. Although practiced, professional aspects of ROSE interaction are not typically discussed in the literature. The target audience is primarily trainees and pathologists in an early stage of their career, but we hope that some ideas may be of general benefit. The information presented in this article is partially derived from experience in a busy tertiary care center with active ROSE services.