What type of sample collection involves using a thin needle to extract cells?

Fine needle aspirates are a technique used to collect cells from a mass or lesion using a thin needle. This method is especially beneficial because it allows for the extraction of cells with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue, making it a less invasive option for obtaining samples compared to surgical biopsies. The thin needle allows for aspiration of cellular material, which can then be examined microscopically for diagnostic purposes.

This technique is commonly utilized in various medical fields, including oncology, to assess the nature of tumors or masses. The cells collected can be analyzed for abnormalities, cytological characteristics, or even infections. Fine needle aspirates are favored in situations where a quick diagnosis is needed or when the lesions are too small or in delicate locations that would make larger surgical procedures more complex or risky.

In contrast to other sample collection methods, like excision biopsies which involve removing a larger piece of tissue, scrape cytology which collects superficial cells from a surface, or imprint cytology which transfers tissue impressions onto a slide, fine needle aspirates provide a unique advantage of targeting deeper or less accessible lesions with precision while preserving surrounding tissues.