What is an Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspiration?

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) allows the collection of tissue samples as non-invasively as possible. We use ultrasound guidance to obtain very small samples (some only a few millimetres) from within organs like the thyroid gland or lymph nodes.

 

Understanding your procedure

An ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration is a simple, image-guided procedure that uses sound waves to pinpoint an abnormality and guide a thin needle in to remove a fluid or tissue sample. The cells taken as samples are tested by a pathologist to make a diagnosis or rule out conditions or abnormalities such as cancer.

 

Before your procedure:

Usually, no special preparation is required for this procedure. However, please let us know if you have any of the following:

  • Inability to lie down.
  • Respiratory problems.
  • Anxiety.
  • If you are taking any medication including blood thinners such as Warfarin.

When you arrive:

  • Check in with reception.
  • You will be taken to your procedure room and our radiologist will explain your procedure and ask for your consent.

 

During your procedure:

  • In most cases a pre-procedure ultrasound will be performed to investigate the area and pinpoint the appropriate site for the needle to be inserted. 
  • We will sterilise the injection site using antiseptic and usually administer a local anaesthetic. 
  • The Fine Needle Aspiration technique involves advancing the needle under ultrasound guidance into the appropriate site, so you will be asked to stay very still.
  • Multiple cell samples are taken before the needle is removed.
  • A Pathologist will be present during the procedure, to review the cell samples and ensure there is adequate tissue for analysis before the procedure is concluded. 

 

After your procedure:

  • We will apply pressure to the site and a gauze dressing if necessary. 
  • You can usually go home and resume normal activities. 
  • Your biopsy site may remain sore for a few days, however recovery time is generally short.

Frequently asked questions

  • The procedure takes only 30 minutes.
  • No sedation is required.
  • No special recovery time is needed.
  • This procedure provides very accurate results. If cancer is found, we can often tell what type of cancer and where it is. 

This procedure is performed by a specialist radiologist (doctor) with experience in needle aspiration and ultrasound.

Complications are uncommon because the procedure is done under image-guidance and with an extremely fine needle. Very rarely you could experience:

  • Bleeding or infection at the site of the aspiration.
  • Damage to surrounding tissues. 

The success of the aspiration often depends on the size of the needle, the site, and the type of lesion. We do our best to ensure enough cell samples are obtained, however, if more cells are required to make a diagnosis, we may need to repeat the procedure.

A support person may accompany you to your appointment but typically cannot enter the scan room.

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