Fine Needle Aspiration

For biopsy sample collection

When imaging reveals enlarged lymph nodes, abnormal organs or mass lesions, we may recommend a fine needle aspiration (FNA) to collect cellular samples. This procedure involves guiding a small needle into the affected area using ultrasound, typically while the cat is sedated or under anaesthesia, depending on the location.

Due to the small needle size, the sample obtained is limited, making some conditions harder to diagnose. However, diseases like lymphoma and certain infections can often be identified through this method. Results are usually available within 48 hours of submitting the sample to the lab.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fine needle aspirate?

Fine needle aspiration is a type of biopsy procedure. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted into the region of concern, and a sample is collected from a microscope, slide or sterile container. These samples can help make a diagnosis, e.g. of infection or cancer.

When is a fine needle aspirate used?

Fine needle aspiration is most commonly performed on a lump or abnormal-appearing organ. These changes may be identified on physical examination or an imaging test such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

Fine needle aspiration may also be performed on:

cysts (fluid-filled lumps)
nodules or masses (solid lumps)
enlarged lymph nodes

Without a biopsy, it’s difficult for a veterinarian to know what these abnormal areas contain.

How is a fine needle aspiration performed?

Your cat is likely to be under sedation or anaesthesia for this process. This is not because it is painful but to keep them still during the procedure.
Their fur is clipped, and the area is cleaned.
We will sometimes use a local anaesthetic on the skin.
Ultrasound can be used to help locate the region for fine needle aspiration.
A thin needle is attached to a syringe and inserted through the skin into the abnormal area.
A sample is suctioned (aspirated) into the needle and syringe and then placed on a microscope slide and/or sample pot.
Several needle insertions may be required to ensure that the sample is adequate.

How long does a fine needle aspiration take?

Fine needle aspiration itself is usually a short procedure, less than 10 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the number of samples required.

What should I expect with my cat after their fine needle aspirate?

If your cat has been sedated, it may be a little groggy afterwards, but this should only last for a few hours. Rarely there may be a little bruising at the site.

What complication can occur with fine needle aspirates?

Serious complications after fine needle aspiration are rare.
Minor bleeding under the skin at the biopsy site can occur.
Sometimes, bleeding can occur from tumours or tissues with blood vessels.

How reliable are the fine needle aspiration results?

A fine needle aspirate is an effective tool in evaluating and diagnosing suspect lumps or masses. It is minimally invasive, however, compared to a surgical or trucut biopsy, samples are very small and fine needle aspiration biopsies do require some expertise to perform and interpret.

Because an FNA biopsy can only sample a small number of cells from a mass or lump, there is a risk that any abnormal cells may be missed and not detected.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

See All Stories

Kitty, a lymphoma survivor

We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass

Poppi finds her feet again

Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected

Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey

Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.

Lando’s long game with cryptococcus

Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.

Popeye coughs up the culprit

Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.

Service Locations

Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.

Brisbane City & Inner Suburbs

North Brisbane & Moreton Bay Region

South Brisbane & Logan City

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Cat Specialist Services Reviews on

Tanya Bell

6 months ago

We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.

Melinda Cox

A month ago

So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.

Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.

It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.

At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.

We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.

NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.

Lesley Rosekrans

A month ago

Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.

Madison McEwan

A month ago

I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.

Astrid El Gamal

6 months ago

Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.

Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!

Deeba M

3 months ago

Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!

Judith Dionysius

A month ago

My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.

Janelle Wieden

5 months ago

We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services

Georgia Carter

5 months ago

My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.

I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.

Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.

I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.

Lauren Woodward

A year ago

My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed