Preparing for a Fine-Needle Aspirate on a Cat: Needle and Syringe Selection

What size needle and syringe should be selected for a fine-needle aspirate of a lymph node on a cat?

Answer:

In preparing for a fine-needle aspirate of a lymph node on a cat, a vet tech would likely choose a 22-gauge needle with a 10-ml syringe.

Explanation:

When preparing for a fine-needle aspirate of a lymph node on a cat, a vet tech would likely select a 22-gauge needle with a 10-ml syringe. This needle size is thin enough to minimize discomfort for the cat while still being large enough to collect a sufficient sample. The 10-ml syringe volume is typically ample for this type of procedure.

The needle gauges and syringe volumes listed in the other options (i.e., 25-gauge needle with a 10-ml syringe, 21-gauge needle with a 20-ml syringe, and 18-gauge needle with a 12-ml syringe) could also be used, depending on the specific circumstances and the vet tech's judgment.

It's important for vet techs to consider the individual cat's size, the location and size of the lymph node, as well as the required sample volume when selecting the appropriate needle gauge and syringe size for a fine-needle aspirate procedure.