Med Lab Sciences

What Does a Cytologist Do?

Through microscopic evaluation, the cytotechnologist plays a vital role in the diagnosis of pre-malignant and malignant tumors from all of the body organs, including but not limited to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts, body cavities, and gynecological and breast specimens.

The cytotechnologist:
• prepares and diagnoses fine needle aspirations from tumors in body sites such as lymph nodes, salivary glands, thyroid, liver, and pancreas. When abnormal cells are observed microscopically, the cytotechnologist reviews these findings with a pathologist and together a diagnosis is made and reported to the physician.
  
• diagnoses infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and cellular changes secondary to viruses.
  
• uses many other techniques, including molecular diagnostics, immunocytochemistry, and cancer biotechnology applications.
  
• conducts outcome assessment studies, market laboratory services, and conduct studies pertinent to quality improvement.

The Master of Science in Cytology and Biosciences Program with professional practice, laboratory administration, and research components prepares its graduates for traditional service and supervisory roles in cytotechnology as well as new and expanded roles.

The program at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC is currently the only master's level cytology program in the US. This information comes directly from their website and for more details, go to www.musc.edu/chp/cyto