the *aspiration of specimens of cells from tumours or cysts through a hollow needle, using a syringe, and their subsequent examination under the microscope after suitable preparation (by staining, etc.). The technique is now used widely, especially for superficial cysts or tumours, and has become a specialized branch of diagnostic pathology. See also fine-needle aspiration cytology.
(LBC) a technique used for analysing *cervical smears taken for *cervical screening. The specimen is collected using a brush or spatula and then mixed with a liquid preservative fluid. In the laboratory, this fluid is spun and filtered to remove blood and other extraneous material, leaving a thin layer of cells that is spread on a microscope slide and examined. LBC yields specimens that are easier to screen and give more accurate results than those obtained by the traditional Pap test.... liquid-based cytology
the removal by suction of the products of conception to terminate a pregnancy or evacuate the uterus following miscarriage. Carried out under local anaesthetic up to the 12th week of pregnancy, it uses a hand-held syringe (manual vacuum aspiration, MVA) or an electric pump (electric vacuum aspiration, EVA) to create suction.... vacuum aspiration