Quick highlights
- Minimally invasive clinician-performed sampling of a lump/nodule
- Provides cytology interpretation (cells) to guide diagnosis
- Often done under ultrasound guidance for accuracy when needed
- Used for thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, breast lumps, soft-tissue masses
- Reports include adequacy and interpretive categories
- Some results require biopsy/histopathology confirmation
- Disclose blood thinners and bleeding history before procedure
- Turnaround depends on staining and processing
- Not suitable for home collection (procedure-based)
- SEO coverage: FNAC test, fine needle aspiration cytology, thyroid FNAC report
What’s included
Preparation
- Follow clinician/hospital instructions for FNAC appointment
- Carry imaging reports (ultrasound/scan) and prescription
- Disclose anticoagulants and bleeding history in advance
- Arrive with the specified site identified and consent completed
- Undergo FNAC; pressure bandage may be applied briefly
- Follow post-procedure advice (keep site clean, watch for swelling)
- Download report from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>
- Review with clinician; biopsy or follow-up may be advised
FAQs
A procedure where a fine needle collects cells from a lump for cytology examination.
No. FNAC examines cells; biopsy examines tissue architecture (histopathology) and may be required for confirmation.
Usually mild discomfort; it is quick and minimally invasive.
Typically no.
No; it is a clinician-performed procedure.
It can improve accuracy for deeper or small nodules and specific targets.
It means not enough diagnostic material; repeat FNAC may be recommended.
Commonly 2–5 days depending on processing and stains.
Yes; disclose anticoagulants and bleeding history to your clinician.
It can identify suspicious/malignant cells in many cases, but biopsy confirmation may be required.
Thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, breast lumps, salivary gland swellings, and soft-tissue masses.
Clinician decides next steps: observation, repeat FNAC, imaging, or biopsy.
Download from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>.
Minor bruising or soreness is common; significant swelling/bleeding should be evaluated promptly.
Notes
FNAC results may need histopathology confirmation.
