Guidance on handling of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle specimens published

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) recently published a new clinical guideline regarding endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) specimen handling and handling. Published in magazine CHEST, guide It includes nine evidence-based recommendations for determining best practices for the collection, processing, and handling of EBUS-TBNA samples.

“Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle “Aspiration has become the standard for the initial diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, but little guidance exists on the handling and handling of samples during and after collection to help optimize both diagnostic yield and sample preservation for downstream ancillary testing,” says Christopher Gilbert , DO, MS., FCCP, lead author of the guideline “In (the panel’s) experience, sample collection varies greatly among institutions. “This guide aims to draw on the learned experience of both pulmonologists and pathologists to standardize the process.”

The strength of the evidence regarding handling and handling of EBUS-TBNA samples varies but is satisfactory in some areas to guide clinicians in certain aspects of sample processing. The authors of the guide concluded that additional research is needed on many aspects of sample handling and processing to help improve the knowledge base.

The guide’s recommendations include:

• In patients with suspected malignant disease who undergo EBUS-TBNA, we recommend four or more needle passes over three or fewer needle passes. (Strong Recommendation)
• In patients with suspected malignant disease who undergo EBUS-TBNA, we recommend rapid on-site evaluation rather than usual care. (Conditional Recommendation)
• In patients with suspected malignant disease who undergo EBUS-TBNA, we recommend using a smaller needle (21 gauge or 22 gauge) rather than a larger needle (19 gauge). (Conditional Recommendation).