CYTOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS OF THYROID DISEASES: BASIC PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES OF APPLICATION IN MODERN CONDITIONS

Introduction. Cytological diagnostics of thyroid diseases widely used in medical practice today. The standards and guidelines used in this examination ensure close cooperation between doctors of different specialties. Aim of research: To determine the methodological and organizational features of cytological examination of the thyroid gland, which can improve the use of this diagnostic method in Ukraine. The effectiveness of cytological examination depends on many factors. First of all, it is important to use this method in cases where the test result can be sufficiently informative and help identify thyroid diseases, choose further diagnostic and appropriate treatment tactics. Important stages in the actual cytological examination of thyroid diseases are: sampling, fixation and staining of cytological specimens, evaluation of microscopic changes, formulation of a cytological conclusion, and, if necessary, the use of immunocytochemical and molecular genetic methods. Compared to other countries, Ukraine has a higher incidence of uninformative reports in cytological diagnostics of thyroid diseases. The reasons for this are most likely more frequent violations of the technique of puncture, fixation and transportation of the material. It should be noted that cytologic examination in Ukraine is performed by a laboratory doctors, while in most countries of the world this examination is performed by a pathologist. Conclusions. In order to improve the effectiveness of the method of cytological diagnostics of thyroid diseases in Ukraine, it is necessary to ensure proper compliance with the relevant norms, standards and rules at all stages of its implementation. Taking into account the current regulatory norms and rules for cytological examinations in Ukraine, it is necessary to improve the qualifications of laboratory doctors in the field of cytological diagnostics of thyroid diseases, officially to include the method of cytological diagnostics into the work of a pathologist and to actively implement in medical practice The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, 2023.