C1 (inadequate)
The designation of an aspirate as “inadequate” is sometimes subjective. The experience of the aspirator and/or the interpreter plays a decisive role. Adequacy is based on the presence of sufficient numbers of epithelial cells to provide a reliable assessment.
C1 ideal rates must be lower than 25%.
In case the lab exceeds 20 % FNA’s tecnicque has to be revised.
Different reasons may lead to label a smear as inadequate: