Yield and costs of molecular diagnostics on thyroid cytology slides in the Netherlands, adapting the Bethesda classification.

NGS-based MD on nucleic acids extracted directly from cytology slides is a feasible and cost saving tool for personalized management in indeterminate Bethesda III/V thyroid cytology. Based on the interpretation of our retrospective data, we assume that this approach results in less disease burden for the patient, reduced surgical interventions and complication risks, reduced sick leave, among others. Further evaluation of structural implementation of the presented approach in routine thyroid Bethesda III/V cytology in a prospective setting is warranted.