Comparison of conventional smear and liquid-based cytology in adequacy of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies without an accompanying cytopathologist

Abstract

Objectives In this study, we aimed to compare the adequacy of conventional smear (CS) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) methods in thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples obtained without an accompanying cytopathologist during the procedure. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the presence of a significant difference between the rates of nodules classified as Bethesda Category III and malignancy in both techniques and the features of the nodules affecting malignancy. Methods A total of 625 nodules from 572 patients who were found suitable for biopsy were included in this retrospective study. FNABs were performed by interventional radiologists without an accompanying cytopathologist during the procedures. The specimens were either prepared using CS or LBC preparation methods. Cytopathological diagnostic adequacy and cytopathological results of the specimens were evaluated according to Bethesda category, and the relationship between the morphological findings was evaluated retrospectively. Results Of all the biopsy preparations, 338 (54.1%) of them were transferred to pathology in liquid-based solution and 287 (45.9%) were transferred as CS. Malignancy rates of the biopsy samples were found similar in both LBC and CS methods. Considering the nodules classified as Bethesda Category II, III, IV, V, and VI, there was no statistical difference between the results of both methods. Non-diagnostic biopsy rate was higher in the specimens prepared by CS method (p<0.001). Conclusion In this study, the adequacy rate of FNAB was found significantly higher in LBC method compared to the CS method. LBC was more practical and faster than the CS method. We think that LBC method may be preferred in FNAB of thyroid nodules.

Diagnostic values of SurePath liquid‐based cytology versus conventional smear in thyroid aspiration samples: A 13‐year experience at a single institution

“…In correlation with our results, the rate of inadequate cases in CS is higher than that of SurePath in the literature. [12][13][14] The present results did not correlate with the results reported by Jung et al 5 and Kumari et al 15 who compared CS and SurePath in split samples. The conflict results were attributable to the different study methods.…”

“…Conflicting results on the rate of inadequate samples of SurePath comparing with CS have been reported, as shown in Table 4. 5,[12][13][14][15] In the present study, sample adequacy was better for SurePath than CS. In correlation with our results, the rate of inadequate cases in CS is higher than that of SurePath in the literature.…”

“…6,7 Although these advantages for LBC are significant, its diagnostic efficacy over conventional smears in thyroid is controversial. 5,[8][9][10][11][12][13] Conflicting results on the rate of inadequate samples of SurePath comparing with CS have been also reported. 5,[12][13][14][15] In our institution, CS was replaced with SurePath LBC beginning in July 2016.…”

“…5,[8][9][10][11][12][13] Conflicting results on the rate of inadequate samples of SurePath comparing with CS have been also reported. 5,[12][13][14][15] In our institution, CS was replaced with SurePath LBC beginning in July 2016. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic values of SurePath LBC versus CS in the fine needle aspirate samples of thyroid lesions during a 13-year period.…”

A Comparative Analysis of Liquid-Based Cytology and Conventional Smears in Fine-Needle Aspirates of Thyroid Lesions

“…Sayer et al [ 19 ] concluded that there was no statistical difference between the results of both methods while classifying thyroid nodules according to Bethesda category II to VI, but the non-diagnostic biopsy rate was higher in the specimens prepared by the CS method (p < 0.001). In their study, ultrasonography-guided FNA was performed and slides were prepared by either the CS or LBC method without an accompanying cytopathologist during the procedure.…”