Rapid on-site evaluation using telecytology: Quality assurance study at a high-volume cancer center Journal Article


Authors: Alhamar, M.; Rudomina, D.; Wang, L.; Feratovic, R.; Oen, H.; Lin, O.; Wei, X. J.
Article Title: Rapid on-site evaluation using telecytology: Quality assurance study at a high-volume cancer center
Abstract: Background: Telecytology-assisted rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) offers a cost-effective method to enhance minimally invasive biopsies like fine needle aspiration and core biopsies with touch preparation. By reducing nondiagnostic sampling and the need for repeat procedures, ROSE via telecytology facilitates prompt triage for ancillary tests, improving patient management. This study examines cases initially deemed adequate for diagnosis during telecytology-assisted ROSE but later categorized as nondiagnostic at final evaluation (NDIS). Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of telecytology-assisted ROSE cases over 7 years at a major cancer center, focusing on fine needle aspiration and touch preparation of core biopsies. Each case was thoroughly reviewed, correlating with clinical data and concurrent core biopsies or subsequent excisions. The study identified leading factors contributing to NDIS. Results: The average NDIS rate was 0.06% (42/70,612). Misinterpretation of benign or reactive cells as neoplastic was the leading cause (76.2%) of discrepancies between original ROSE and final diagnosis. Kidney biopsies had the highest NDIS rate (0.90%), primarily because of misinterpreting nonneoplastic cells. Thyroid biopsies were linked to quantitative threshold issues (0.10%). NDIS events were most associated with misinterpretation in kidney, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and lung biopsies. Conclusion: In conclusion, the NDIS rate in telecytology-assisted ROSE is low, but quality assurance identified areas for improvement. Recognizing site-specific pitfalls during telecytology-assisted ROSE can enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient care. © 2024 American Cancer Society.
Keywords: clinical article; controlled study; human tissue; excision; retrospective studies; diagnostic accuracy; neoplasm; neoplasms; quality control; cytology; cohort analysis; patient monitoring; pathology; retrospective study; health care quality; patient care; cancer center; clinical study; quality assurance; quality assurance, health care; quantitative analysis; diagnosis; needle biopsy; biopsy, fine-needle; clinical evaluation; tumor cell; cancer care facilities; pancreas biopsy; lung biopsy; kidney biopsy; fine needle aspiration biopsy; procedures; telepathology; workflow; humans; human; male; female; article; rapid on-site evaluation; telecytology; gastrointestinal biopsy; nondiagnostic interpretation of specimens
Journal Title: Cancer Cytopathology
Volume: 133
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1934-662X
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons  
Date Published: 2025-01-01
Start Page: e22929
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22929
PUBMED: 39745134
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC12135963
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Xiao-Jun Wei
    13 Wei
  2. Handy O Oen
    7 Oen
  3. Oscar Lin
    307 Lin
  4. Lu Wang
    8 Wang
  5. Mohamed Alhamar
    10 Alhamar