Cytotechnology
Encyclopedia
Cytotechnology is the microscopic interpretation of cells to detect cancer and other abnormalities. This includes the examination of samples collected from the uterine cervix (Pap test
), lung, gastrointestinal tract or body cavities.
Cytotechnologists are allied health professionals trained in cytotechnology; they evaluate specimens on glass slides using microscopes. In some laboratories, a computer performs an initial evaluation, indicating slides that are sufficiently normal that no human reading is needed, or pointing out areas that may be of particular interest for later examination. In many laboratories, cytotechnologists perform the initial evaluation. The cytotechnologist performs the secondary evaluation and determines whether a specimen is normal or abnormal. Abnormal specimens are referred to a pathologist for final interpretation.
Different countries have different certification requirements and standards for cytotechnologists. In the United States there are currently two routes for certification, after earning a baccalaureate degree, individuals attend an accredited program in cytotechnology for 1 year, or you can attend a cytotechnology program that awards a baccalaureate degree in cytotechnology. After successful completion of either route then you are eligible to take a certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
. The American Society for Cytotechnology
sets U.S. professional standards, monitors legislative and regulatory issues, and provides education.
Pap smear
The Papanicolaou test is a screening test used in to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the endocervical canal of the female reproductive system. Changes can be treated, thus preventing cervical cancer...
), lung, gastrointestinal tract or body cavities.
Cytotechnologists are allied health professionals trained in cytotechnology; they evaluate specimens on glass slides using microscopes. In some laboratories, a computer performs an initial evaluation, indicating slides that are sufficiently normal that no human reading is needed, or pointing out areas that may be of particular interest for later examination. In many laboratories, cytotechnologists perform the initial evaluation. The cytotechnologist performs the secondary evaluation and determines whether a specimen is normal or abnormal. Abnormal specimens are referred to a pathologist for final interpretation.
Different countries have different certification requirements and standards for cytotechnologists. In the United States there are currently two routes for certification, after earning a baccalaureate degree, individuals attend an accredited program in cytotechnology for 1 year, or you can attend a cytotechnology program that awards a baccalaureate degree in cytotechnology. After successful completion of either route then you are eligible to take a certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
American Society for Clinical Pathology
The American Society for Clinical Pathology is a professional association based in Chicago, Illinois encompassing 130,000 pathologists and laboratory professionals....
. The American Society for Cytotechnology
American Society for Cytotechnology
Founded in 1979, the American Society for Cytotechnology is a professional organization dedicated to the field of cytotechnology. The ASCT promotes cytotechnology through the development of practice standards, and by staying up to date regarding emerging technologies and the legislative and...
sets U.S. professional standards, monitors legislative and regulatory issues, and provides education.