Rapid on-site evaluation: what a microscope will add to the bronchoscopy unit? a concise review

Abstract

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of samples obtained by transbronchial needle aspiration during flexible bronchoscopy or endobronchial ultrasound has been practised for more than two decades. Earlier studies evaluating its role have reported a magical impact on improving the diagnostic yield and the adequacy of samples produced by transbronchial needle aspiration. Subsequent studies with more rigorous methodologies failed to find a significant increase in sensitivity with ROSE but consistently demonstrated a trend toward performing shorter procedures with fewer complications when ROSE is utilized. There are new exciting fronts for ROSE, such as using it to direct molecular testing for lung cancer. In the future, we expect more centers to apply ROSE, now that pulmonologists have succeeded in doing so and telecytopathology has become reality.