● ● ● ● ● Release of vacuum and withdrawal of the needle: When material is seen in the hub of the needle, procedure is discontinued. Before withdrawing the needle, suction is released and needle pulled straight out. The piston is just allowed to slowly fall back by itself (never push). Failure to release negative pressure within the lesion will cause the aspirated material to enter the syringe, which is difficult to recover. In desperate situations, syringe and the needle can be rinsed with saline or fixative and then centrifuged to prepare a smear. Immediately after withdrawing the needle, firm local pressure is applied at the site.
