About FNA
FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) Procedure
FNA is a type of biopsy procedure that extracts a tissue sample from a tumor, which is then sent to Pathology for evaluation. FNA evaluations can help diagnose or rule out cancer. It is most commonly used for lesions in the thyroid, lungs, pancreas, breasts, and lymph nodes. Depending on the tumor, up to 32% of FNAs must be repeated due to insufficient samples.
Meagan’s Story
Meagan developed a tumor in her neck when she was just 17. An endocrinologist took a tissue sample from her thyroid using a long needle. The doctor explained the tumor could be benign or cancerous. This set the stage for a very anxious week.
Several days later she got a call from her physician who said the sample was inadequate — they would need to repeat the process. Unfortunately, more than 20% of the patients undergoing Fine Need Aspiration (FNA) biopsies need to have the procedure repeated.
It took weeks to reschedule. Meagan had to live with the uncertainly of her tumor for over a month before she was told, “Meagan, you have cancer.” No one was happy with the diagnosis or the process.
Meagan had her thyroid removed and is doing fine now. She takes thyroid medication daily and enjoys a normal life. Meagan’s quote captures the perspective of countless people who have undergone FNA procedures:
“It was so difficult to live with the fear of cancer and so painful to get your tumor sampled only to wait for a week to hear that the results were not conclusive. I truly hated that I had to come back and get tested again. There has to be a better process.”
Meagan
Thyroid Cancer Patient
About ROSE
ROSE (Rapid On-Site Evaluation) Procedure
The ROSE procedure evaluates the tissue sample acquired through fine needle aspirates (FNA), forcep biopsies, or cryobiopsies to quickly determine if a sufficient sample has been obtained to enable an accurate evaluation by the Pathology Department. Depending on the tumor, ROSE can reduce repeat biopsy rates up to 70%.
Challenges with ROSE
Lack of standards
- Wide variance in protocols
- Disparity among quality of Cytotechnologists
- Sample drying can cause aerosolization, increasing risk of airborne disease
Disruptive and time consuming
- Cytopathologists and Cytotechnologists required to be on call
- Enormous time spent in OR rather than in lab or office
High-stress environment
- High inflow of samples force Cytotechnologists to multi-task during FNAs, increasing the risk of inaccurate assessments
- Physicians demand rapid adequacy assessments
Staff shortage
- Only 30% of institutions perform ROSE procedures due to the national shortage of Cytopathologists and Cytotechnologists
“Only 30% of institutions perform ROSE procedures due to the national shortage of Cytopathologists and Cytotechnologists.”
David Wilson, MD
Medical Director
Schneck Pulmonology
We are addressing the unmet market needs by rapidly delivering consistent, high-quality slides for ROSE procedures that are easier to read than conventional methods and can be interpreted remotely by Pathology. Visit our Tech Platform page to learn more.