Autofluorescence alone is not enough: a combined strategy for accurate identification of parathyroid tissue in thyroidectomy specimens

NIRAF imaging is highly sensitive for detecting inadvertently excised parathyroid glands, but false-positive signals from non-parathyroid tissues limit its specificity. Combining NIRAF with intraoperative tissue PTH measurement can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide timely autotransplantation. Further studies are needed to refine tissue PTH thresholds and validate broader clinical applicability.