Cytotechnology is the microscopic interpretation of cells to detect

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...

and other abnormalities. This includes the examination of samples collected from the

uterine cervix The cervix or cervix uteri (Latin, 'neck of the uterus') is the lower part of the uterus (womb) in the human female reproductive system. The cervix is usually 2 to 3 cm long (~1 inch) and roughly cylindrical in shape, which changes during ...

(

Pap test The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in t ...

), lung, gastrointestinal tract or body cavities. A cytotechnologist is an allied health professional trained to evaluate specimens on glass slides using

microscope A microscope () is a laboratory instrument used to examine objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopy is the science of investigating small objects and structures using a microscope. Microscopic means being invisi ...

s. In some

laboratories A laboratory (; ; colloquially lab) is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. Laboratory services are provided in a variety of settings: physici ...

, a computer performs an initial evaluation, pointing out areas that may be of particular interest for later examination. In many laboratories, cytotechnologists perform the initial evaluation. The cytotechnologist performs a secondary evaluation and determines whether a specimen is normal or abnormal. Abnormal specimens are referred to a

pathologist Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of disease or injury. The word ''pathology'' also refers to the study of disease in general, incorporating a wide range of biology research fields and medical practices. However, when used in t ...

for final interpretation or

medical diagnosis Medical diagnosis (abbreviated Dx, Dx, or Ds) is the process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs. It is most often referred to as diagnosis with the medical context being implicit. The information r ...

. Different countries have different certification requirements and standards for cytotechnologists. In the United States there are currently two routes for certification: a person can first earn a baccalaureate degree and then attend an accredited program in cytotechnology for 1 year, or they can attend a cytotechnology program that also awards a baccalaureate degree. After successful completion of either route the individual becomes eligible to take a certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. People who complete the requirements and pass the examination are entitled to designate themselves as "CT (ASCP)". The American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT) sets U.S. professional standards, monitors legislative and regulatory issues, and provides education. Individual states regulate the licensure of cytotechnologists, usually following

American Society of Cytopathology The American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), founded in 1951, is a national professional society of physicians, cytotechnologists and scientists who are dedicated to cytopathology, which involves the cytologic method of diagnostic pathology Diagn ...

(ASC) guidelines. Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs
The ASC is for cytopathologists but certain qualified cytotechnologists can join it too.

References

External links

American Society for Cytotechnology website
Pathology {{pathology-stub

See also

References

External links