Quality improvements for aspiration biopsy cytology of the thyroid

Abstract

According to Japan’s general rules for describing thyroid cancer aspiration and smear techniques should be reexamined when the incidence of inadequate materials exceeds 10% of all cytology cases. In discussing quality improvements, we recommend that aspiration be ultrasound-guided and target the most suitable portion for diagnosis. Appropriate smear technique requires the careful observation of aspirated materials. We found that the incidence of inadequate materials was greatly reduced by informing the quality of the preparations to aspirators. To improve preparation quality, aspirators, cytotechnologists, and cytopathologists must actively cooperate in mutually improving quality.