Cytotechnology
As a cytotechnologist, your microscopic determination of the presence or absence of abnormal or malignant cells might enable physicians to diagnose and treat cancer before symptoms occur or before it can be detected by other methods. Cytotechnologists are responsible for the first microscopic evaluation of the cytologic material, providing a preliminary diagnosis in cases that warrant further evaluation by a pathologist.
Cytotechnology is the microscopic study of cells that have been shed, scraped or aspirated from body tissues. As a cytotechnologist, you will be a highly skilled laboratory professional responsible for preparing samples obtained from various body areas for examination by using staining techniques which make the specimen more visible.
You will be trained to recognize minute abnormalities in the color, size, and shape of the cell structures. You will need, at all times, to be aware that each specimen represents a patient and that accuracy of the diagnostic report is essential.
Cytotechnology originated as a method of detecting malignant and premalignant lesions in the female genital tract (the Pap Smear). This discipline has since expanded to include cancer diagnosis in all body areas. With the advent of fine needle aspiration cytology, virtually every organ in the body is accessible to cytologic diagnosis.
To become a cytotechnologist, you must know basic human anatomy, physiology and pathology, as well as having an in depth-knowledge of cell morphology. This knowledge would enable you to interpret varied cytology specimens accurately. In addition, you must master various specialized techniques for collecting, preparing and staining many types of cell samples.
As a cytotechnologist, you would play an integral part in the total health care of patients. |
