Fig. 1: Nonsuction fine-needle sampling with a 25- or 27-gauge needle. A: The needle is held directly between the thumb and the index finger. The nodule is immobilized with the index and middle fingers of the other hand. The needle is moved back and forth several times within the nodule with a rapid, gentle, stabbing motion. B: After the needle is withdrawn, an air-filled syringe with its plunger already retracted is immediately attached to the needle, and the needle contents are expelled onto clean glass slides. Thin, evenly spread smears are prepared from the ejected material. It is recommended that at least 2 or, preferably, 3 punctures be performed for each nodule.