Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a first-line investigation for palpable lumps and is a highly cost-effective and accurate investigative technique. It is a safe, simple, rapid, minimally invasive technique. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been used in gynecologic-cytology for over three decades. Many laboratories have adopted LBC technique for exfoliative and FNA samples. We undertook the present study to compare the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and liquid based cytology preparations.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of LBC and Conventional smears in fine needle aspiration cytology samples from breast, lymph nodes, and thyroid tissue.

Materials and methods: FNA material from accessible sites such as palpable breast lumps, thyroid, and lymph nodes were collected from 100 patients and was processed by two different methods, i.e., Conventional smears and by LBC. Various parameters on the slides were considered and compared for both the preparations. Out of 100 FNA samples, 51% were of Thyroid, 34% were of lymph node and 15% were of breast lumps.

Observations and results: Adequate cellularity and better architecture was present in conventional smears than LBC preparations. Background material was less, and monolayers were better in the LBC preparations. Informative background material (i.e. Colloid, lymphoglandular bodies, etc) was more in cases of Conventional smears. The nuclear and cytoplasmic details were nearly equally good in both the preparations.

Conclusion: Both these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Before incorporating LBC as a routine method, pathologists should familiarize themselves with all the aspects of LBC.

Conventional cytology, Liquid based cytology, FNAC of breast, Lymph nodes and thyroid, LBC in breast, lymph nodes and thyroid aspirates, Advantages of LBC, Monolayer