Question:
How does one differentiate between FNA and core biopsy?
Answer:
Core needle biopsies are defined as biopsies that acquire a core of tissue as opposed to a cellular aspirate. The core may be obtained with any size or type of needle. Core biopsies are often obtained with fine needles or with larger-gauge “cutting” needles. Aspirations may be obtained when a fluid-containing structure is sampled or after the instillation of sterile fluid to facilitate obtaining a specimen. Aspirations may also be performed with fine needles or with needles of a larger gauge. The critical concept is that for core needle biopsies, without regard to the gauge of the needle used, the anatomically correct surgical needle biopsy code should be reported according to the type of imaging guidance that is used.
