Specimens were obtained from 10 patients with radiological abnormalities involving mediastinal or hilar areas, for histological examination using 19 G transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). The tissues examined proved diagnostic in 6 patients (60%) including one with a benign condition (sarcoidosis). Clinical characteristics (sex, age, puncture site, number of specimens, size of radiological abnormalities) in the 6 positive patients were compared with those for the 4 negative patients. No significant differences in the number of specimens or the size of radiological abnormalities were observed between groups. However, a punctured trachea was seen in significantly more cases in the negative group (3/4, 75%) than in the positive group (1/6, 17%; p<0.05). Few minor complications were encountered. The use of a 19 G TBNA appears effective for obtaining tissue for histological examination and diagnosis of benign conditions. Training in this technique should increase the diagnostic utility of the histology needle.