Doing more with less: integrating small biopsies in cytology practice

Area of Science:

• Surgical Pathology
• Cytopathology
• Diagnostic Procedures

Background:

• Cytopathologists perform rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during specimen acquisition.
• Increasing ancillary testing requests strain limited tissue samples.
• This presents challenges for accurate tissue triage and diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline essential knowledge for cytopathologists in triaging small tissue biopsies.
• To address the practical integration of small biopsy handling into daily workflows.
• To focus on common organ sites: lung, head and neck, and pancreas.

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices in cytopathology specimen handling.
• Focus on common organ sites (lung, head and neck, pancreas).
• Discussion of logistical considerations for integrating small biopsies.

Main Results:

• Identifies critical information needed by cytopathologists for successful tissue triage.
• Highlights the pressures associated with ancillary testing on limited tissue.
• Provides insights into workflow integration for small biopsies.

Conclusions:

• Effective triage of small biopsies requires specific knowledge and logistical planning.
• Optimizing specimen handling is crucial for accurate ancillary testing and diagnosis.
• The study provides a framework for cytopathologists managing limited tissue samples.