Intermediate
Technical
IVT
FNA
Also written as: FNA — Fine Needle Aspiration
Fine needle aspiration, diagnostic procedure used for thyroid nodule evaluation.
Full Definition
Fine needle aspiration, a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain cellular samples from thyroid nodules for cytological examination. FNA is the gold standard for evaluating thyroid nodules and determining the need for surgery. Medical editors must understand the Bethesda System classification that reports FNA results and its implications for surgical decision-making.
Usage
Usage note: Often used interchangeably with FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) in clinical practice.
In Context
- "Ultrasound-guided FNA revealed follicular lesion of undetermined significance." — Pathology report
- "The patient will undergo FNA of the dominant thyroid nodule." — Procedure scheduling
Also known as
fine needle biopsy
thyroid biopsy
Don't confuse with
FNAB
core biopsy