Overview
Cytology is the study of cells from the body. These cells are obtained by either spontaneous exfoliation into a body fluid or by physical exfoliation. Cells are prepared onto glass slides and stained to allow for visualisation using the light microscope. The role of the scientist is to prepare and examine these slides to detect and differentiate pre malignant and malignant conditions from benign entities. They work with cytopathologists to provide a diagnosis.
The diagnosis of cytology samples is an important part of the clinical pathway as it provides clinicians with information to treat and manage a patients disease, or exclude the presence of a disease.
Cytology is a challenging and rewarding career and offers a hands-on approach to medical testing.
Collection of samples
Specimens for cytology are generally categorised into gynaecological specimens and non-gynaecological specimens. Gynaecological samples include cervical smears, which comprise the majority of the daily workload for the scientist.
Cervical cytology is part of the National Cervical Screening Programme. It involves the screening of cervical smears for the early detection of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions.
Non-gynaecological samples include specimens from the respiratory tract, urinary tract, body cavities, and lumps from the body (sampled by fine needle aspiration). Examples include breast, lymph node, and thyroid samples.
Non-palpable lumps can be sampled under radiology guidance to direct the needle to the site in question.
Preparation and testing of samples
There are a number of methods used for the preparation of cytology samples. Medical laboratory scientists must evaluate both the samples and accompanying clinical information, and apply the most appropriate method to provide optimal results.
Adjunct testing can also be utilised including immunocytochemistry and molecular testing.
Cervical cytology has advanced over the last 15 years and many laboratories are using liquid-based cytology and automated screening platforms for cervical screening. This automation provides location guided screening, assisting the scientist to identify areas of the slides that could potential harbour abnormal cells. These areas are then evaluated by the scientist using the light microscope.
Other advances include automated preparation and staining machines. Despite these advances, cytology still requires a large degree of manual benchwork, particularly microscopy.
Cytology is the study of cells from the body.
More information
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