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When using the Tao Aspirator™, is there any way to balance the
negative pressure in the syringe before pulling out the needle from
the lesion?
Yes, this can be done. After completing the procurement, push
back the plunger to where it started, i.e., at 2cc mark. This will
eliminate the negative pressure. The 2cc air in the syringe which
acts as a buffer zone will prevent pushing the aspirated material out of
the needle. However, balancing the pressure is unnecessary when
the aspirated material has already been accumulated in the needle hub
(as mentioned in the PROCEDURE, "Pull out the needle after a small
amount of aspirated material appears in the needle hub").
Although the aspirated material in the needle will be sucked into the
needle hub, it will not be sucked into the syringe when the setting of
vacuum force is less than 3cc. The aspirated material in the
needle hub is generally enough to make two direct smears. The
remaining material is collected by rinsing the syringe and needle with a
liquid fixative. In practice, this technique of not balancing the
pressure is particularly advantageous for cystic lesions, because the
negative pressure in the syringe can prevent dripping of cystic fluid
after the needle is pulled out. In fact, dripping of cystic fluid
often occurs after balancing the pressure, when using pistol-grip
syringe holding devices.
How do you set a predetermined amount of suction for use in tissue
sampling?
A proper amount of suction facilitates FNA in tissue sampling; for
instance, strong suction is usually needed for aspiration of cystic
fluid, and weak suction for lesions composed of lymphoid tissue or
carcinomatous cells. In general, low legative pressure works
better than high negative pressure for FNA of soft tissue lesions.
In the practice of FNA of soft tissue lesions, we recommend the setting
at 1-2 cc vacuum force on the syringe holder (at 3-4 cc on the syringe),
which can produce samples containing sufficient quantity of various
cellular components, mesenchymal tissues from the lesion, and tumor
fragments (if neoplastic), essential for cytomorphological
interpretation. Because of the weak suction, balance of negative
pressure is not needed, enabling the technique to be non-dripping after
the needle is withdrawn from the skin. At a time when universal
precaution is strongly emphasized, this non-dripping feature is
important in terms of safety.
What are the advantages of using a pencil-grip FNA syringe holder?
The Tao Aspirator™ places the hand in a position of natural
function and close to the needle tip, employing fine motor control of
the hand and providing greater tactile sensation of the texture of the
lesion. It allows the operator to place a needle into a target
lesion with minimal error and provides proper suctions in obtaining cell
samples using a single hand (see comparison
table).
Is this pencil-grip, FNA syringe holder also recommended for use
by clinicians?
Yes, this device was designed to meet every physician's need.
For pathologists, this device can produce enough aspirated material to
prepare air-dried smears for on-site examination. For clinicians,
this user-friendly syringe holder and liquid fixation method provide an
easy-to-learn technique which facilitates FNA, improves the quality of
FNA specimiens, and also yields enough material for ancillary studies,
if needed. In addition, FNA specimens collected in CytoRich Red
fixative are stable for several weeks, allowing time for specimen
transporation by carrier or post..
How do you sterilize the Tao Aspirator™ to be used for guided
FNA?
Soak the syringe holder in Cidex or similar disinfectants for 15
minutes. For drying, put the syringe holder in a sterilized
container with gauze lining. Rest the holder on the side with
knobs to fully drain the remaining fluid from its central compartment.
Is there any warranty on this
pencil-grip, FNA syringe holder?
Yes, there is a one year warranty. If any malfunction occurs
during the one year period, simply send this device with proof of
purchase back to us and we'll replace the defective device with a new
one.
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