Interventional cytopathology in the COVID-19 era

Cytopathology. 2020 Nov;31(6):509-513. doi: 10.1111/cyt.12886. Epub 2020 Aug 9.

Abstract

Introduction: The dramatic spread of COVID-19 has raised many questions about cytological procedures performed in and out of the laboratories all over the world.

Methods: We report a heterogeneous series of fine needle aspirations performed during the period of phase 1 of the lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic to describe our experience and measures taken during this period.

Results: A total of 48 fine needle aspirations (ultrasound, computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound guided) were processed and reported.

Conclusions: Pre-existing procedures have been modified to allow healthcare professionals to work safely ensuring patients the necessary assistance with samples suitable for cellularity, fixation and staining for an accurate cytological diagnosis.

Keywords: COVID-19; fine needle aspiration; pandemic; rapid on-site evaluation; safety devices.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology*
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration / methods
  • Endosonography / methods
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2