Effect of ultrasound transmission gel on ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytological specimens of thyroid.

Objective: To investigate prospectively the diagnostic impact of ultrasound coupling gel on thyroid specimens obtained under ultrasound guidance.

Methods: Patients presenting for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USG-FNA) of the thyroid were invited to participate in the study. Four specimens per nodule were collected: two using chlorhexdine wash and two using sterile, colourless ultrasound gel as couplant according to routine protocol.