Why immediate on-site checks can be inadequate for ultrasound-guided thyroid nodule needle biopsies

Factors Influencing Inadequacy in Rapid Onsite Evaluation of Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Samples of Thyroid Nodules

NA · Assiut University · NCT06984991

This project will try to identify which clinical, ultrasound, and procedural factors lead to inadequate rapid on-site evaluations of ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsies in people having thyroid nodule FNA.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssiut University (other)
Locations1 site (Asyut, Asyut Governorate)
Trial IDNCT06984991 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients referred for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of TI-RADS 3–5 thyroid nodules will undergo standard FNA with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of sample adequacy. The study will record nodule ultrasound features, number of needle passes, needle type, operator experience, and whether ROSE is performed by a cytopathologist or cytotechnologist. Researchers will compare rates of non-diagnostic (Bethesda I) samples across these factors to identify associations with inadequate ROSE. Findings will be analyzed to suggest procedural or workflow changes to reduce inadequate sampling and repeat procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People referred for ultrasound-guided FNA of TI-RADS 3, 4, or 5 thyroid nodules who have not had prior thyroid ablation are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who have had prior thyroid ablation or who are not undergoing ultrasound-guided FNA would not be expected to benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the rate of non-diagnostic FNAs, reducing repeat procedures and speeding definitive diagnosis for patients with thyroid nodules.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of rapid on-site evaluation and procedural factors have shown mixed results, with some centers reducing nondiagnostic rates and others finding little change, so specific local factors remain important to study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients referred for FNA of thyroid nodules (TIRAD-3, 4 and 5 nodules).

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of thyroid ablation before FNA

Where this trial is running

Asyut, Asyut Governorate

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Thyroid Cancer, thyroid FNA

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.