Training and practice of cytotechnologists: a discussion forum focused on Europe

Herbert, Amanda; Anic, V.; Cochand‐Priollet, Béatrix; Dina, Roberto; Ehya, Hormoz; Eide, Maj Liv; Fabrè, Monique; Field, Andrew; Kapila, Kusum; Kardum-Skelin, Ika; Oliveira, Maria Helena Santos de; Olszewski, Włodzimierz; Önal, Binnur; Nasioutziki, Maria; Nayar, Ritu; Nielsen, Kristian Hvidtfelt; Shabalova, Irena; Schmitt, Fernando; Tötsch, Martin; Wilson, Allan; Vass, László; Zeppa, Pio

doi:10.1111/cyt.12201

Cited by 16 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(12 reference statements)

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“…In this setting rapid on-site evaluation for tumor cell adequacy is crucial to ensure that the obtained material is sufficient and properly preserved not only for the identification of malignancy but also for biomarker testing [2]. This can be successfully performed either by a cytopathologist or by a properly trained cytotechnologist or pulmonologist [3,4]. Unfortunately, due to budget and staff limitation, rapid on-site evaluation is not always feasible [5,6,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Test Performed on Liquid-Based Cytology Lung Samples: Experience of an Academic Referral Center

Bellevicine

Malapelle²,

Vigliar³

et al. 2014

Acta Cytologica

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Objectives: In this study we reviewed our practice of lung cancer epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational testing in an academic centralized laboratory setting, where direct smears and liquid-based cytology (LBC) slides represent the most frequent cytological specimens received. The aim was to assess the differences, if any, between these sample types in terms of DNA yield, adequacy rates and overall EGFR testing performance. Study Design: A total of 362 cases were retrieved - received from January 2012 to January 2014 for EGFR testing - including 204 LBC specimens and 158 smears. Exon 19 deletions and the L858R point mutation in exon 21, detected by fragment assay and TaqMan assay, respectively, were confirmed by direct sequencing or by high-resolution melting. Results: Although the direct smears showed a higher DNA yield (60.94 vs. 23.07 ng/µl) and were more frequently cell-rich (54%) than the LBC slides (31.4%), the differences in adequacy (direct smears: 97.4%; LBCs: 94.1%) and in mutant rate (direct smears: 10.3%; LBCs: 14.0%) between the two sample types did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Not only direct smears but also LBC slides represent an effective preparation and storage medium for cytological material to be used for EGFR molecular testing.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Test Performed on Liquid-Based Cytology Lung Samples: Experience of an Academic Referral Center

Bellevicine

Malapelle²,

Vigliar³

et al. 2014

Acta Cytologica

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“…In parallel, a transnational programme called CYTOTRAIN (Leonardo da Vinci Programme, 1996-2003) included partners from Italy, France and the UK and was sponsored by the European Commission with the aim of harmonizing training and quality standards in cervical cancer screening throughout Europe [52]. The purpose of the CYTOTRAIN project was to prepare training material for cytopathologists and cytotechnologists engaged in cervical cancer screening, to disseminate products and instruct in their use, as well as to develop a model training programme using the training material.…”

Section: Personnel Training and Certificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recommendations on Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Cervical Cytology

Branca

Longatto‐Filho²

2015

Acta Cytologica

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Objective: We aimed to critically evaluate the importance of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) strategies in the routine work of uterine cervix cytology. Study Design: We revised all the main principles of QC and QA that are already being implemented worldwide and then discussed the positive aspects and limitations of these as well as proposing alternatives when pertinent. Results: A literature review was introduced after highlighting the main historical revisions, and then a critical evaluation of the principal innovations in screening programmes was conducted, with recommendations being postulated. Conclusions: Based on the analysed data, QC and QA are two essential arms that support the quality of a screening programme.

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“…The way that cytotechnologists are educated varies internationally, even throughout Europe, and training programmes can be provided as separate courses, a combination of separate courses or in‐house education . The basic standard educational requirements for cytotechnology training are either being a medical or laboratory technologist or being a biomedical scientist with a Bachelor's degree .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Subsequent training should consider the probability, and reality, of primary cervical cancer screening changing from cytology to human papillomavirus testing and the need to perform tests for the virus and take part in rapid on‐site evaluation for fine needle aspirations. Any training should also be provided in line with the support training and practice guidelines developed by the European Federation of Cytology Societies …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general, cytotechnologists screen many kinds of specimen, including Pap smears, respiratory and urinary specimens and fine‐needle aspirations. The work carried out by cytotechnologists varies across Europe . For example cytotechnologists working in Croatia screen blood smears in cytology laboratories, but these are performed in haematology laboratories in Finland.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cytotechnologists’ education and work in Finland

Liikanen

2019

Cytopathology

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Objective The aim of this study was to survey the work that cytotechnologists carry out in Finland. Methods An electronic questionnaire was planned with the Board of the Finnish Association of Cytotechnologists and an email containing the link was sent to all 107 of its members in January 2018. It included 17 questions on their age and work experience, education and work. There was also space for them to add other comments. Results Just under half (45%) replied. Their average age was 51 years (range 28‐64), 41% had a Bachelor's degree, 59% had college‐level training and they had spent an average of 15 years screening cytology specimens. After basic professional education, they had completed their cytology education in many ways and the most common routes were internship training (71%) and 1‐year cytology specialisation (38%). Most of the cytotechnologists (85%) had duties other than screening and they mostly included a combination of histotechnology and cytotechnology (37.5%) or just cytotechnology (17%) or histotechnology (9%). The other 15% only screened cytology specimens. All cytotechnologists screened Papanicolaou smears, 94% screened urinary and respiratory specimens, 82% screened effusions and 39% screened fine‐needle aspirations. Conclusions We found that internship training provided essential training for Finnish cytotechnologists after they complete their basic professional studies. They reported many other duties in addition to microscopy screening.

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Training and practice of cytotechnologists: a discussion forum focused on Europe

Abstract: With CT training added to a university-based education in laboratory or biomedical science, a career in cytotechnology should be an attractive option involving a diverse range of laboratory and clinically based activities.

Cited by 16 publications

References 7 publications

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Test Performed on Liquid-Based Cytology Lung Samples: Experience of an Academic Referral Center

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Test Performed on Liquid-Based Cytology Lung Samples: Experience of an Academic Referral Center

Recommendations on Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Cervical Cytology

Cytotechnologists’ education and work in Finland

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