The needle biopsy as a useful adjunct in tissue diagnosis is firmly established. Its solid position is beyond the reach of persistent occasional snipers. Undoubtedly needle biopsy has its limitations. These should be definitely understood by those who employ the method. It should also be realized that the needle biopsy often requires more than average skill. Nonetheless, the procedure is here to stay. The details of technique no doubt will continue to be refined and improved.
The needle biopsy can perhaps be classified into two groups: first, the aspiration technique, and second, the nonaspiration technique. It is not the purpose of this paper to discuss the various techniques or their indications.
For the purpose of this communication it may suffice to say that the aspirating technique is still a method of choice in various instances. In such cases it is desirable to remove all of the aspirated material from the