FNAC Procedure Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Fine-needle aspiration cytology is a quick, minimally invasive procedure in which a pathologist passes a thin needle — finer than the one used for an ordinary blood test — into a lump or swelling and draws out a small sample of cells for examination under the microscope. It is most commonly used to investigate enlarged neck or armpit lymph nodes, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, salivary gland swellings, and any unexplained mass felt under the skin. The cells are spread onto slides, stained, and studied by the pathologist to decide whether the swelling is inflammatory, infective, benign, or suspicious for malignancy, which then guides whether further surgery, a core biopsy, or simply reassurance is needed. In Nepal, FNAC of a persistently enlarged lymph node is especially valuable because tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula) remains very common, and the aspirate can show the characteristic granulomatous pattern and be sent on for AFB staining or GeneXpert testing. The procedure is done in the clinic in a few minutes, usually needs no anaesthetic for superficial lumps, and deeper swellings such as thyroid or intra-abdominal masses may be sampled under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. Mild soreness or a small bruise afterwards is normal and settles within a day or two. The result is read alongside your clinical examination and imaging, and because a tiny sample cannot always represent the whole lump, an unclear or non-diagnostic report may occasionally mean the aspiration has to be repeated or a larger biopsy arranged.

Sample type

Cells aspirated from a lump or swelling (fine-needle aspirate)

Preparation

No fasting needed. Eat and take your regular medicines as usual, but tell us if you are on blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. Bring any earlier ultrasound or scan reports of the lump.

Turnaround time

Reports for FNAC Procedure are typically ready within: 4th Working Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other pathology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside FNAC Procedure or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.