Rapid on-site evaluation using telecytology: Quality assurance study at a high-volume cancer center

Telecytology-assisted rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) offers a cost-effective method to enhance minimally invasive biopsies like fine needle aspiration and core biopsies with touch preparation. By reducing nondiagnostic sampling and the need for repeat procedures, ROSE via telecytology facilitates prompt triage for ancillary tests, improving patient management. This study examines cases initially deemed adequate for diagnosis during telecytology-assisted ROSE but later categorized as nondiagnostic at final evaluation (NDIS).

We performed a retrospective analysis of telecytology-assisted ROSE cases over 7 years at a major cancer center, focusing on fine needle aspiration and touch preparation of core biopsies. Each case was thoroughly reviewed, correlating with clinical data and concurrent core biopsies or subsequent excisions. The study identified leading factors contributing to NDIS.

The average NDIS rate was 0.06% (42/70,612). Misinterpretation of benign or reactive cells as neoplastic was the leading cause (76.2%) of discrepancies between original ROSE and final diagnosis. Kidney biopsies had the highest NDIS rate (0.90%), primarily because of misinterpreting nonneoplastic cells. Thyroid biopsies were linked to quantitative threshold issues (0.10%). NDIS events were most associated with misinterpretation in kidney, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and lung biopsies.

In conclusion, the NDIS rate in telecytology-assisted ROSE is low, but quality assurance identified areas for improvement. Recognizing site-specific pitfalls during telecytology-assisted ROSE can enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient care.