FNAC (Procedure & Reporting)

Specimen Required

NONE

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

FNAC is performed to diagnose the cause of a lump or mass in the body. It can help determine whether the lump is cancerous or noncancerous, and provide information on the type of cancer, its stage, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

When this test is required

FNAC may be requested by a doctor when a lump or mass is detected during a physical examination, imaging test or other diagnostic procedure.

What the Test Detects

The collected cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities, such as cancer cells or signs of infection.

Preparation for the Test

In most cases, no special preparation is required for FNAC. The patient may be asked to avoid blood thinning medications before the procedure.

Sample Requirements

The sample is collected using a thin needle, which is inserted into the lump or mass. Sometimes, multiple passes may be required to collect enough cells for analysis.

Additional Notes

FNAC is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. However, there is a small risk of bleeding or infection at the site of the needle insertion. The results of the test may not always be definitive and further testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis.

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