Changing practice patterns for cytotechnologists: a comparative analysis of data from the 2009 and 2015 ASCP BOC Practice Analysis Surveys

Cytotechnology schools: Future outlook

“…The scope of practice of cytotechnologists has expanded in tandem with these technologic advances but within the confines of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment 1988 (CLIA'88) mandates. [13][14][15][16][17][18] A 2018 17 study performed by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) and ASCP Workgroup reported that cytotechnologists are increasingly performing morphology-based work such as cell block interpretation and other workplace duties like triaging specimens for ancillary testing and preparing and reading touch preparations. The report showed that cytotechnologists are also performing work in digital pathology and tissue identification but to a lesser extent.…”

“…The report showed that cytotechnologists are also performing work in digital pathology and tissue identification but to a lesser extent. 17 Thus, it goes without saying that the expanding role and value of cytotechnologists as "pathology extenders" that has emerged over the last few decades is now well recognized and desired in pathology laboratories across the nation. [19][20][21]…”

“…Following the early years of the profession, and more significantly in the past 20 to 30 years, cytopathology as a discipline expanded mainly through technologic advancement in diagnostic testing. The scope of practice of cytotechnologists has expanded in tandem with these technologic advances but within the confines of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment 1988 (CLIA'88) mandates 13–18 . A 2018 17 study performed by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) and ASCP Workgroup reported that cytotechnologists are increasingly performing morphology‐based work such as cell block interpretation and other workplace duties like triaging specimens for ancillary testing and preparing and reading touch preparations.…”

“…A 2018 17 study performed by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) and ASCP Workgroup reported that cytotechnologists are increasingly performing morphology‐based work such as cell block interpretation and other workplace duties like triaging specimens for ancillary testing and preparing and reading touch preparations. The report showed that cytotechnologists are also performing work in digital pathology and tissue identification but to a lesser extent 17 . Thus, it goes without saying that the expanding role and value of cytotechnologists as “pathology extenders” that has emerged over the last few decades is now well recognized and desired in pathology laboratories across the nation 19–21 …”