Guidelines for non-operative diagnostic procedures and reporting in breast cancer screening
Published June 2001 | ISBN 1 87199 744 5 | Archived
Non-operative diagnosis has become the norm in breast screening assessment. Until now, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been the sampling method of choice, but the more recent introduction of automated core biopsy guns, which facilitate sampling, has led to the implementation of core biopsy in assessment units.
The purpose of this document is to update pathologists on the role and use of FNAC and core biopsy in breast screening assessment. It also details the mechanisms used to assure the quality of cytological and core biopsy diagnosis.
The document constitutes the second edition of guidelines for cytology procedures and reporting in breast cancer screening.
It updates and replaces the previous guidelines published as NHSBSP Publication No 22.