Perth Pathology – Patient Instructions
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA) INFORMATION BROCHURE
What is Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)?
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a pathology test used to obtain cells from a lump that can be felt
underneath the skin. It is performed by a specialist Pathologist, who will then examine the sample
under a microscope to determine the nature or cause of the lump. FNA provides reliable and prompt
results that can be used to guide further management of the lump, without the need for hospital
admission or stitches.
How is FNA performed?
FNAs are performed by appointment at our main laboratory in Fremantle. No prior preparation is
necessary. If the lump has been previously examined by X-ray or ultrasound, it is helpful if you can
bring these with you to the appointment.
You will be seen by one of our specialist Pathologists, who will ask you some questions and
examine the lump. After cleaning the skin with alcohol, a fine (i.e. narrow) needle will then be
inserted through the skin into the lump. You will feel a slight “prick” similar to a blood test and you
may also feel some movement under the skin as the pathologist collects the sample, which takes
about 5 to 10 seconds. It is not necessary to use local anaesthetic. In most cases, two or three
separate needle “pricks” are performed to ensure an adequate sample is obtained. The entire
procedure is usually completed within 10 to 15 minutes.
Following FNA, the site is covered with a band-aid or other dressing to prevent any seepage of
blood onto your clothing. This dressing can be removed later on the same day.
How long will the results take?
The pathology report for your FNA will usually be available within 48hrs of the procedure. It is
important that you discuss the results with your doctor, in case any further follow-up or treatment is
required.
Are there any risks or complications from having an FNA?
FNA has been used throughout the world for several decades and very few significant complications
have been reported. Some patients experience mild bruising or tenderness at the FNA site but this
will settle by itself within a few days.
There is one complication that can occur with FNA of lumps from the chest, breast, armpit or
around the collarbone, but it is rare. It results from air escaping from the lung into the chest cavity
and is called a pneumothorax. If you experience unexplained shortness of breath following your
FNA, you should see your doctor or attend your local Emergency Department. This complication
may settle without treatment but sometimes can result in brief hospital admission.
Controlled Document
Patient Collection Instructions – FNA
Date of issue: 01/04/2012
Ver 1.0
Page 1 of 2
Are the results accurate?
FNA produces highly reliable results and is accepted by surgeons around the world as an accurate
guide to further management. The accuracy of FNA in determining whether or not a lump is
cancerous has been confirmed by numerous studies.
Sometimes, the precise nature of the lump cannot be determined by the FNA test. For example,
some lumps do not contain many cells, or the cells may be difficult to remove with the needle. In
these cases, the pathology report will clearly indicate that the results are not conclusive, and further
investigation may be required.
How much will it cost?
Our fee for FNA testing performed by a Pathologist at our Fremantle laboratory is equivalent to the
Medicare rebate and so there is no additional or out-of-pocket cost to patients.
Controlled Document
Patient Collection Instructions – FNA
Date of issue: 01/04/2012
Ver 1.0
Page 2 of 2