Reflex BRAF Testing in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy with Equivocal and Positive Interpretation: A Prospective Study

Abstract

BRAF V600E mutation analysis can be easily performed on cytologic preparation using lavage fluids obtained from needle rinsing. By combining morphologic evaluation and BRAF testing, there is a substantial improvement in the preoperative identification of PTC when compared with cytology alone. Patients with equivocal cytologic diagnosis and BRAF V600E mutation are candidates for total thyroidectomy ± central lymph node dissection.