United Kingdom national audit of breast fine needle aspiration cytology in 1990–91-organization and level of activity

A survey amongst members of the British Society for Clinical Cytology (BSCC) was performed in 1990 and 1991 into their experience of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of the breast. Here we present the findings of that part of the survey covering organizational aspects of the service and methods of specimen handling. the replies demonstrate differences in approach to many of the topics covered. There is a preference for the examination of direct smears (rather than cytospins) with air dried Giemsa staining and wet fixation Papanicolaou staining finding nearly equal favour. Some perceived problems were highlighted, including availability and funding of training and quality assurance as well as facilities for liaison between pathologists, clinicians and radiologists.