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FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATIONS (FNA)

An insight into our wide range of services

In the 1980’s, Dr. Guillermo Villarmarzo Garcia, MD, FCAP, within his practice of pathology, showed great interest in the search for safer, more accurate, and less invasive diagnostic methods. This interest led him to investigate what at the time was a relatively new method known as Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) led by sonography. Dr. Villarmarzo received training to develop this technique, and brought this revolutionary procedure to Puerto Rico for the enrichment of diagnostic and preventive medicine. Here he developed his FNA clinics, training several other pathologists to help make this technique more accessible to patients on the island.

Based on the data obtained in these clinics over the years, Dr. Villarmarzo, along with the distinguished faculty of fellow pathologists who form the FNA clinics in HRP Labs, have written several articles in different medical journals about the process. These publications are available on our website www.hrplabs.com/doctors/publications.

Dr. Villarmarzo, with the help of Dr. Miosotis García, have established a strong collaboration with the Division of Endocrinology of the Municipal Hospital of San Juan in the Medical Center of Puerto Rico. They are currently involved in the education of endocrinology residents.

They have also established a strong collaboration with the Division of Endocrinology of the Municipal Hospital of San Juan in the Medical Center of Puerto Rico.

BREAST NODULES

NECK NODULES

THYROIDS

ANCILLARY TESTS

SALIVARY GLANDS

LYMPH NODES

SUPERFICIAL NODULES

SOFT TISSUE

CULTURES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A FINE NEEDLE BIOPSY?

During a fine needle biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed. The needle used is narrow and smaller than the needle used in most blood draws.

SHOULD SOMEBODY ACCOMPANY ME?

It is not necessary. This type of procedure is quick and simple. It does not require sedation, special preparation or hospitalization.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Only wear comfortable clothes to easily expose the area to be biopsied. Do not wear clothes that cover the neck area. You may eat before the procedure. In most cases the procedure takes about 10 minutes or less.

WHO WILL PERFORM THE BIOPSY?

A certified pathologist, with his specialized medical team, who has been trained in the procedure.

IS ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT USED?

The ultrasound machine consists of a computer, a monitor and a transducer that is used to make the scan. Ultrasounds are used to guide the needle to the correct location.