Position of the needle prior to TBNA

(A) Correct position of the metal needle prior to TBNA: the entire beveled end is placed inside the metal hub. (B) Incorrect position of the metal needle: the sharp end of the needle is extending beyond the metal hub, and can potentially lacerate the working channel of the bronchoscope. (C and D) Incorrect position of the metal needle: the needle is placed too proximal to the metal hub and can perforate its own plastic catheter during forward thrust and potentially damage the working channel of the bronchoscope.