Investigation of the effect of practitioner experience on pathology results in thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies

Aims: This study evaluates the effect of practitioner experience on specimen adequacy in thyroid FNABs. It also examines how nodule characteristics (solid, semisolid, or cystic), patient age, and gender influence cytological outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Interventional Radiology Unit of DUFMH to evaluate the adequacy, nodule type, and cytological diagnosis of thyroid FNABs. Data from 215 FNABs in 200 patients were analyzed. Operators were categorized as experienced or less experienced based on years of practice. Nodule type (solid, semisolid or cystic), number of biopsy attempts, and cytological outcomes were recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 27. Adequacy rates and diagnostic categories were compared between groups using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results: The overall sample adequacy rate was 74.4%. Experienced operators achieved significantly higher adequacy rates compared to less experienced operators (85.0% vs. 63.0%, p