Inadequate

In a pathology report, the word inadequate means that the sample taken was not good enough to provide a reliable diagnosis. This does not mean that something is necessarily wrong with the patient. Instead, it means that the pathologist did not have enough cells or tissue, or the material was too damaged, to make a clear decision about what is happening in the body.

Why might a sample be considered inadequate?

There are several reasons why a sample may be described as inadequate:

• Too few cells or tissue: For example, in a fine needle aspiration (a type of biopsy using a thin needle), not enough cells may have been collected for examination.

• Poor preservation: Sometimes the cells or tissue break down before they reach the laboratory, making them difficult to study under the microscope.

• Obscuring material: In some cytology samples, such as Pap tests, blood, mucus, or inflammatory cells can obscure the cells, making them difficult to see.

• Sampling error: The biopsy may have missed the area of concern, meaning the abnormal cells were not included in the sample.

What happens if my sample is reported as inadequate?

If your pathology report says that the sample is inadequate, your doctor will usually recommend repeating the test. This ensures that enough good-quality material is available for the pathologist to make an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the situation, the repeat sample may be taken using the same technique or a different one that provides a larger or better-preserved piece of tissue.

Why is adequacy important?

Pathologists rely on the sample provided to make a diagnosis. If the sample is inadequate, it is safer to request another sample than to risk an incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. Although it can be frustrating to repeat a test, it is an important step to ensure you get the right answer and the correct treatment.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Why was my sample described as inadequate?

• Do I need to have the test repeated, and how will it be done this time?

• Is there another type of biopsy or test that might provide a better sample?

• How will the results of the next test affect my care and treatment?