FNAC means fine-needle aspiration cytology. It is a procedure in which a thin needle collects cells or fluid from a suitable lump, nodule or abnormal area. The sample is then examined in a cytology laboratory. FNAC can provide useful information, but the result must always be interpreted together with your examination, imaging and other tests.
At Tesla Imaging & Diagnostic Centre in Meerut, selected FNAC procedures are performed with ultrasound or CT guidance after the prescription and previous imaging have been reviewed by a radiologist. The guidance method depends on where the target lies and whether it can be seen safely with that form of imaging.
Why is ultrasound used during FNAC?
Ultrasound shows the needle and target in real time without using ionising radiation. It helps the radiologist identify a suitable part of the lump or nodule and plan a path around nearby structures. Ultrasound guidance may be considered for suitable thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, breast lumps, salivary-gland lesions, superficial swellings and other areas that can be clearly seen on ultrasound.
Not every lump needs FNAC, and not every target is suitable for ultrasound guidance. A deeper area may require CT guidance, a different type of biopsy or another test. The decision is made after reviewing the clinical question and available images.
How is FNAC different from a core biopsy?
FNAC and core biopsy are related but not identical:
- FNAC uses a fine needle to collect cells or fluid for cytology.
- Core biopsy uses a different hollow needle to remove small pieces of tissue for histology.
- Aspiration may be performed mainly to remove fluid from a suitable cyst or collection.
One test is not automatically better than the other. The correct choice depends on the organ, appearance of the target and information your treating doctor needs. Read our separate guide to image-guided biopsy in Meerut if your prescription says “core biopsy”.
What should you send or bring?
- Your doctor’s prescription or referral and the reason for FNAC.
- Relevant ultrasound, CT, MRI or mammography images and reports.
- Previous FNAC, biopsy, surgery or laboratory reports for the same area.
- A complete list of medicines, including aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, other blood thinners and supplements.
- Details of allergies, bleeding problems, pregnancy or important medical conditions.
The radiologist may need to review the target on ultrasound before confirming whether FNAC is suitable. The appointment, preparation and expected charges are confirmed after that review. If the price has not been confirmed, call or send the prescription on WhatsApp before travelling.
How should you prepare?
Many superficial FNAC procedures need little preparation, but instructions are not identical for every body part or patient. Eat, drink and take regular medicines unless your treating doctor or procedure team gives you different instructions.
Do not stop any blood-thinning medicine by yourself. Tell the team the exact medicine name, dose and why you take it. Any decision to pause or change it must come from the appropriate treating doctor and procedural team.
What happens during ultrasound-guided FNAC?
- Review: the radiologist checks the prescription, imaging, medicines and planned target.
- Ultrasound: you are positioned so the area can be examined and the safest practical needle route can be planned.
- Consent and cleaning: the steps, relevant risks and alternatives are explained, and the skin is cleaned.
- Sampling: a fine needle is guided into the suitable area. More than one pass may be needed to obtain an adequate sample.
- Aftercare: pressure and a small dressing may be applied. You will receive instructions appropriate to the site sampled.
You may feel a needle prick, brief pressure or mild discomfort. Whether local anaesthetic is used depends on the planned procedure. The radiologist will explain this before consent.
What happens after FNAC?
Mild soreness or bruising can occur. Keep the dressing and follow the activity advice given by the procedure team. If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure as instructed. Seek medical help for persistent bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, breathing difficulty, fever, severe pain or another symptom the team has asked you to watch for.
The collected cells or fluid are sent to a cytology laboratory. The radiology procedure note and cytology result are separate. The result is not always immediate, and occasionally a sample may be insufficient or another test may be advised. Your referring doctor should interpret the result and explain the next step.
How do I arrange ultrasound-guided FNAC in Meerut?
Send the prescription and relevant previous reports to Tesla Imaging’s verified WhatsApp number or call the procedure desk. A radiologist reviews the records before confirming suitability, preparation, appointment timing and current charges. The centre is at 44, New Shivpuri, opposite Eves Hospital, Hapur Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250002.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shalabh Bansal, DMRD, FRCR (UK).
Tesla Imaging & Diagnostic Centre, 44, New Shivpuri, opposite Eves Hospital, Hapur Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250002.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about ultrasound-guided FNAC
What is ultrasound-guided FNAC?+
Ultrasound-guided FNAC uses real-time ultrasound images to help place a fine needle into a suitable lump or abnormal area. The needle collects cells or fluid, which are sent to a cytology laboratory for examination.
Is FNAC the same as a core biopsy?+
No. FNAC usually collects cells or fluid through a fine needle, while a core biopsy removes small pieces of tissue with a different needle. Your doctor and radiologist decide which test is appropriate for the clinical question.
Is ultrasound-guided FNAC painful?+
You may feel a brief needle prick, pressure or mild discomfort. Local anaesthetic may be used in selected cases, and the radiologist will explain what to expect before the procedure.
Should I stop blood-thinning medicines before FNAC?+
Never stop aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or another prescribed medicine on your own. Share the exact medicine and dose when booking so your treating doctor and procedure team can give you individual instructions.
How should I prepare for an FNAC?+
Bring your prescription, previous scans and reports, and a list of medicines and allergies. Preparation varies with the body part and your medical condition, so follow the instructions given after the radiologist reviews your records.
When will the FNAC result be ready?+
The procedure note and the laboratory cytology result are separate. Laboratory timing depends on the sample and any additional tests required, so ask the team for the expected timeline when your appointment is confirmed.
Read about all image-guided procedures in Meerut, the ultrasound service, general patient preparation or directions to Tesla Imaging.
Medical disclaimer: This guide provides general education and appointment information. It does not diagnose a condition, decide whether you need FNAC or replace individual advice from your treating doctor, pathologist or procedural radiologist.
Clinical information reviewed against current patient guidance from RadiologyInfo (American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America) and NHS radiology patient-information resources.