Figure 3

Workflow for the prospective cohort. FNA sample is centrifuged upon arrival, supernatant is collected. Cytological smears are prepared from sediment. Cytopathological diagnosis is performed and findings are reported. Simultaneously, cfDNA is isolated from supernatant. If sufficient cfDNA concentration is obtained, library is prepared and NGS is performed. Sequencing data are analyzed and a comprehensive report considering clinico-radiological information, conventional cytology results and sequencing data is prepared.