Fine Needle Aspiration at United Hospital

An experienced pathologist is available to perform FNA’s at United Hospital at your patient’s convenience from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

FNA’s are performed on palpable masses (such as thyroid, lymph node, salivary gland, or breast lesions) in an examination room adjacent to the Outpatient Laboratory. During the past year, our pathologists performed and interpreted hundreds of FNA’s on patients referred to us at United Hospital. We have also interpreted hundreds of additional specimens collected by other physicians including those obtained under radiologic guidance.

The pathologist performing the procedure assesses the adequacy of the specimen microscopically during the course of the procedure. If a diagnosis of lymphoma or other malignancy is suggested, additional material is obtained for appropriate flow cytometry or immunochemistry studies. A report is faxed to the referring physician within 24-48 hours, or results can be reported immediately by telephone, if requested.

If you wish to schedule a patient for FNA at United Hospital, please call 651-220-8701. Please send a written request with the patient describing the site and lesion. Although we prefer routinely scheduled patients, we are almost always able to see patients on a few minutes notice. Non-palpable lesions that require radiologic guidance must be scheduled with the Radiology Department (Ultrasound: 651-220-8268, CT: 651-297-6504).

Our experienced technologists can help ensure specimens are prepared optimally, to maximize diagnostic yield. If you perform your own FNA’s, and your clinic is adjacent to United Hospital, our laboratory can provide a technologist to assist you. Please call 651-241-8701 to schedule these services.