Fine-needle aspiration

When a doctor or nurse inserts a needle into the body with the intention of removing cells or fluid, this is called a fine-needle aspiration. A fine-needle aspiration is performed with a thin hollow needle.
After the fine-needle aspiration, the contents of the syringe (aspirate) are sent to the laboratory. A laboratory technologist examines it under a microscope to look for abnormalities or disease.

Types of punctures

There are different types of punctures. But they all have one thing in common: whatever is removed from the body is done with a thin hollow needle. Well-known examples are:

• Drawing blood.
• Aspirating fluid from a swollen joint.
• Amniocentesis during pregnancy.
• Aspirating cells from an inflamed area.

Who performs the puncture?

A nurse or doctor performs the puncture. Especially if a more difficult or riskier area needs to be punctured, such as in the neck, this is done in the hospital's radiology department. The puncture then often takes place under ultrasound guidance or during a CT scan. This makes it easier to see whether the needle is in the right place. The procedure is therefore more accurate and more comfortable.

How do you prepare for a puncture?

You cannot do very much to prepare for a puncture. But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Temporarily stop using anticoagulants, as they increase the risk of bleeding. Do this in consultation with the doctor.
• Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours beforehand.
• Ask someone to go with you to the hospital if necessary.

During the puncture

A puncture is not a major procedure. It is usually done without anesthesia, unless multiple punctures in the same area are needed.
After the skin has been disinfected, the doctor inserts the needle into the correct spot. To collect enough cells, the doctor may move the needle slightly up and down. When sufficient material has been aspirated, the needle is removed. It’s then finished. The entire examination takes about 20 to 60 minutes.

After the puncture

After the puncture, you can usually go home immediately. A puncture usually does not cause serious side effects. However, the puncture site may be tender for a few days or a bruise may develop. There is no need to worry about this.

The results of the examination take about a week. During this time, the aspirate is examined. You will receive the results of the laboratory test from the treating physician or the general practitioner.

Difference between a puncture and a biopsy

A puncture and a needle biopsy are sometimes confused. The main difference is that a biopsy removes pieces of tissue from the body instead of just fluid or cells. For this, the doctor uses a thicker hollow needle.

Removing tissue for examination during surgery is also called a biopsy. This is done with a scalpel or forceps instead of a needle. A biopsy sample usually provides more information about a disease or abnormality than an aspirate.