What does TBNA mean in LABORATORY

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue and/or fluid from the lungs or surrounding structures is taken for diagnostic purposes. This is usually done through endoscopic bronchoscopy, a technique in which an endoscope (a thin tube with light source and camera) is used to view inside the airways during the procedure.

TBNA may be recommended for someone who has an abnormal finding on a chest X-ray or CT scan that requires further evaluation. It may also be recommended for someone with an unexplained cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms that are not easily explained by other tests.

During the procedure, an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down into the lungs. The doctor uses this device to visualize inside of the airways while they use a specific type of needle to extract small samples of tissue from different parts of the lung. After the tissue samples are collected, they are sent off to a laboratory for analysis.

Yes, TBNA is generally considered a safe procedure as it involves inserting only a thin needle into the lungs and does not require any incision or damage to healthy tissue. As with most medical procedures, there can be some risks involved such as bleeding and infection at the sites where needles were inserted. These risks can be minimized by carefully following all instructions provided by your healthcare team before and after your procedure.

The actual time spent performing the TBNA procedure varies depending on how many samples are taken and how far into the lungs they need to go but typically it takes between 15-45 minutes.

You may experience mild discomfort while passing through your airways during insertion of the endoscope, however there should be no severe pain associated with this procedure. During extraction of samples with TBNA you might experience minimal pressure or some feeling similar to getting an injection at most times nothing at all can be felt. Any feelings should pass quickly once complete.

After your Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Procedure you will likely need rest as instructed by your health care team - rest ensures proper healing process so it’s important to follow their instructions for recovery properly. You may also receive antibiotics or other medications depending on what was found during your procedure - make sure you follow all instructions regarding taking these medications properly if prescribed them. Your health care provider will discuss test results at your follow up visit which will help determine appropriate treatments going forward.