Guidelines Developed for EBUS-TBNA Specimen Processing, Handling
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2024 -- In a new clinical guideline issued by the American College of Chest Physicians and published online Sept. 27 in CHEST, recommendations are presented for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) specimen processing and handling.
Noting that EBUS-TBNA has become the standard for initial lung cancer diagnosis and staging, Christopher R. Gilbert, D.O., from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and colleagues examined the available literature on specimen processing and handling. Key clinical questions were developed using the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome format, addressing specific questions.
The authors developed nine evidence-based statements relating to handling and processing EBUS-TBNA specimens, eight of which were conditional recommendations. Standard clinical practice (stylet, air) or alternative methods (needle rinse) are suggested for specimen sample expulsion in patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA. Use of either alternative collection media (formalin, Roswell Park Memorial Institute Media, saline, phosphate buffered saline) or current clinical practice (standard alcohol-based preparations) is suggested for patients with suspected malignant disease undergoing EBUS-TBNA. Use of rapid onsite evaluation is suggested over usual care in patients with suspected malignant disease undergoing EBUS-TBNA. A smaller needle is suggested over a large needle (21 or 22 versus 19 gauge) in patients with suspected malignant disease undergoing EBUS-TBNA. Four or more needle passes are recommended over three or fewer in patients with suspected malignant disease undergoing EBUS-TBNA (strong recommendation).
"Sample collection varies widely between institutions," Gilbert said in a statement. "This guideline seeks to leverage learned experiences of both pulmonologists and pathologists to standardize the process."
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted October 2024
Read this next
Helping Others Linked to Higher Level of Cognitive Function
THURSDAY, Aug. 21, 2025 -- Helping others, both via formal volunteering and informal helping, is associated with higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline...
TAR-200 Monotherapy Promising for BCG-Unresponsive Bladder Cancer
THURSDAY, Aug. 21, 2025 -- For patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), an intravesical...
Work-Related Income Drops for Parents of Children Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes
THURSDAY, Aug. 21, 2025 -- Work-related income decreases sharply for mothers and fathers of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, with similar effects across sociodemographic...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.