A fine needle aspirate from the thyroid gland should be assessed for adequacy.
A specimen is considered adequate if one or both of the following is present:
(1) there are at least 5-6 groups of follicular cells with >= 10 cells per group
(2) there are >= 60 follicular cells identified
A specimen with atypical or malignant cells is not considered unsatisfactory.
Finding
Interpretation
abundant colloid, inadequate follicular cells
less than optimal specimen, consistent with colloid nodule
macrophages, cyst contents and rare or no follicular cells
less than optimal specimen, nondiagnostic
none of the above
unsatisfactory
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Specialty: Endocrinology, Clinical Laboratory
