This course provides sonographers with an in-depth overview of the skills and techniques needed to perform an ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid nodule. It also familiarizes learners with the Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Structure (TI-RADS) that is used to stratify thyroid nodules and provide recommendations on when to perform an FNA or an ultrasound follow-up of the thyroid nodules.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to U/S guided FNA of thyroid
• U/S guided FNA thyroid biopsy and neck anatomy review
• Thyroid ultrasound technique and visualization
• Physiology and diseases of the thyroid
• Thyroid nodules, malignancy and indication for biopsy
• Case scenarios
• Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
• Diagnosis and management

Upon successful completion of the Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Biopsy course, the learner will be able to:

1. Define thyroid anatomy and identify the sonographic appearances of the thyroid gland and its surrounding structures
2. Differentiate thyroid related diseases
3. Explain the principles of thyroid ultrasound scanning technique and the diagnostic approaches for suspected thyroid malignancies
4. Define the practical steps of performing a fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules, including patient assessment, education, procedure preparation and steps, and specimen management
5. Define TI-RADS and how it can be used to classify thyroid nodules
6. Situate thyroid biopsy in the context of broader disease management