Which biopsy technique typically requires the presence of a cytological technologist?

The fine-needle biopsy (FNB) technique typically requires the presence of a cytological technologist because it involves extracting cells from a lesion or mass using a thin, hollow needle. This procedure is often performed in a way that allows for immediate evaluation of the cell samples collected. The cytological technologist plays a crucial role in processing the aspirated material, preparing slides, and performing rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) to determine if sufficient material has been obtained for diagnosis.

In contrast, while other biopsy techniques such as surgical biopsy, incisional biopsy, and core needle biopsy may involve pathology evaluation afterward, they do not commonly require real-time cytological assessment during the procedure. These methods are generally more invasive and may also extract larger tissue samples thus diminishing the need for immediate cytological interpretation. The specific role of the cytological technologist in FNB highlights its unique approach to diagnosing conditions, particularly in assessing the nature of suspicious lesions quickly.