Fig. 1.

Cytologic diagnosis. Based on the primary FNA, a diagnostic result was obtained in 88.6% (629 + 108 + 20/854) of patients and a non-diagnostic result in 11.4% (97/854). The number of non-diagnostic FNA was further reduced after repeat FNA in 94 patients resulting in an overall diagnostic result of 96.8% (629 + 108 + 20 + 54 + 15 + 1/854) and further reduced after a third FNA in 16 patients to 98.5% (629 + 108 + 20 + 54 + 15 + 1 + 11 + 3/854). A total of 11 patients that were scheduled for a repeat FNA either refused or did not attend the appointment as scheduled.