Diagnostic Cytology - CSMLS
Transcript of Diagnostic Cytology - CSMLS
Competencies Expected of an Entry-LevelDiagnostic Cytology Medical Laboratory Technologist
CSMLS Competency ProfileDiagnostic Cytology
Revised November 2014
Effective with the June 2017 CSMLS Examination
CEXM-359-H3 – January 2020
© Copyright CSMLS 2014
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.
Contact Information
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Mailing address:
33 Wellington Street North
Hamilton, ON L8R 1M7
Telephone Fax
(905) 528-8642 or
(800) 263-8277(905) 528-4968
Email Website
[email protected] www.csmls.org
Table of Contents
Code of Professional Conduct ............................................................................................... 1
Examination Blueprint ............................................................................................................... 2
Assumptions about Medical Laboratory Science ................................................................. 3
Diagnostic Cytology MLT Competency Categories ............................................................. 4
Category 1: Safe Work Practices ............................................................................................ 5
Category 2: Data Collection and Specimen Procurement/ Receipt ............................... 6
Category 3: Specimen Preparation and Pre-analytical Processing ................................... 7
Category 4: Equipment, Instruments and Reagents ............................................................. 8
Category 5: Assessment and Analysis .................................................................................... 9
Category 6: Recording and Reporting ................................................................................ 10
Category 7: Quality Management ....................................................................................... 11
Category 8: Critical Thinking .................................................................................................. 12
Category 9: Communication and Interaction .................................................................... 13
Category 10: Professional Practice ....................................................................................... 14
Page 1 CSMLS Competency Profile - Diagnostic Cytology MLT January 2020
Code of Professional Conduct
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsarededicatedtoservingthehealthcareneedsofthepublic.Thewelfareofthepatientandrespectforthedignityoftheindividualshallbeparamountatalltimes.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsworkwithotherhealthcareprofessionals,toprovideeffectivepatientcare.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallpromotetheimageandstatusoftheirprofessionbymaintaininghighstandardsintheirprofessionalpracticeandthroughactivesupportoftheirprofessionalbodies.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallprotecttheconfidentialityofallpatientinformation.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshalltakeresponsibilityfortheirprofessionalacts.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallpractisewithinthescopeoftheirprofessionalcompetence.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallendeavourtomaintainandimprovetheirskillsandknowledgeandkeepcurrentwithscientificadvances.Theywillupholdacademicintegrityinallmattersofprofessionalcertificationandcontinuingeducation.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallsharetheirknowledgewithcolleaguesandpromotelearning.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallbeawareofthelawsandregulationsgoverningmedicallaboratorytechnologyandshallapplytheminthepracticeoftheirprofession.
• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallpractisesafeworkproceduresatalltimestoensurethesafetyofpatientsandco-workersandtheprotectionoftheenvironment.
Revised November 2011 © CSMLS
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Examination Blueprint
CSMLSDiagnosticCytologyMLTexamsarebasedonthisplan
Category Mark %
1. Safe Work Practices 4-6%
2. Data Collection and Specimen Procurement/Receipt 3-5%
3. Specimen Preparation and Pre-analytical Processing 20-30%
4. Equipment, Instruments and Reagents 10-15%
5. Assessment and Analysis
5.01,5.04,5.07 45-55%
5.02,5.03,5.05 6-8%
5.06,5.08 6-8%
6. Recording and Reporting 15-20%
7. Quality Management 2-4%
8. Critical Thinking 1-2%
9. Communication and Interaction 1-2%
10. Professional Practice 2-4%
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Assumptions about Medical Laboratory Science
The Cytotechnologist
Uponsuccessfulcompletionofbothanaccreditedprogram/CSMLSpriorlearningassessmentandtheCSMLSnationalcertificationexaminations:TheDiagnosticCytologyMedicalLaboratoryTechnologist(Cytotechnologist):
• hasdevelopedabroadknowledgebaseandpracticalskillsthatenablethemtopreparespecimensfordiagnosticinterpretation,performmicroscopicinterpretationofthosespecimens,andissuereportsaccordingtoinstitutionalpoliciesandprofessionalstandards
• appliescriticalthinkingandproblem-solvingstrategiestoensurebestpractices• practicesandpromotestheprinciplesofcontinuousqualityimprovementincludingprofessional
developmentandusingpersonalinitiativetoimprovelaboratorypractice• practicestoensurethesafetyofpatients,colleagues,self,andtheenvironment• contributestothehealthcareandeducationofthepublic,promotespatientwelfareandrespects
patientdiversity,dignity,andconfidentiality• isanintegralmemberofthehealthcareteamwhosharesknowledgethatisessentialtothe
prevention,diagnosis,treatmentandmonitoringofdisease,promoteslearning,andcollaborateswithotherprofessionalsinprovidingeffectivepatientcare
• isresponsibleandaccountableforprofessionalactsandpracticesaccordingtostandardsofpracticeaswellaslegislationandregulationsgoverningtheprofession
• abidesbytheCSMLSCodeofProfessionalConduct• useseffectiveinterpersonalskillstomaintainaprofessionalrelationshipwithcolleagues,patients/
clientsandhealthcareprofessionals• usesallavailableresourcestoprovideserviceinatimely,accurate,andcost-effectivemanner
The Client/Patient
Theclient/patientisanyindividualwhointeractswiththeCytotechnologiste.g.patient,patientrepresentative,healthcareprofessionals,otherlaboratoryprofessionals.
The Environment
TheCytotechnologistispreparedtoworkinavarietyofsettingsincluding,butnotlimitedto,hospitals,privateandgovernmentlaboratories,industry,andeducationalinstitutions.
TheCytotechnologistpracticesinasafeenvironmentthatisdynamicandevolving.
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Diagnostic Cytology MLT Competency Categories
Categories Description
1. Safe Work Practices TheCytotechnologistconductsprofessionalpracticeaccordingtoestablishedprotocols,safetyguidelinesandexistinglegislation.
2. Data Collection and Specimen Procurement/Receipt
TheCytotechnologistverifiesthatspecimensareprocuredaccordingtoestablishedprotocolsandverifiesrelevantdata.
3. Specimen Preparation and Pre-analytical Processing
TheCytotechnologistunderstandsandperformspreparatorytechniquesonspecimensthatoriginatefromavarietyofsourcesaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
4. Equipment, Instruments and Reagents
TheCytotechnologistuseslaboratoryequipmentandpreparesreagentsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
5. Assessment and Analysis
TheCytotechnologistappliesscientificknowledgeandskillstocriticallyevaluatespecimensandtoprovideanaccuratediagnosisaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
6. Recording and Reporting
TheCytotechnologistusesappropriateterminology,documentsandreportslaboratoryresultsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
7. Quality Management TheCytotechnologistpractisesandpromotestheprinciplesofqualitymanagement.
8. Critical Thinking TheCytotechnologistappliescriticalthinkingskillstoconstructivelysolveproblems.
9. Communication and Interaction
TheCytotechnologistinteractsusingeffectivecommunication,teamworkskillsandinterprofessionalcollaborationwithclientsandotherhealthcareprofessionals.
10. Professional Practice TheCytotechnologistmeetsthelegalandethicalrequirementsofpracticeandprotectsthepatient'srighttoareasonablestandardofcare.Professionalpracticeencompassesscopeofpractice,accountabilityandprofessionaldevelopment.
Page 5 CSMLS Competency Profile - Diagnostic Cytology MLT January 2020
Category 1: Safe Work Practices
TheCytotechnologistconductsprofessionalpracticeaccordingtoestablishedprotocols,safetyguidelinesandexistinglegislation.
Number Competency
1.01 Appliestheprinciplesofstandardprecautions
1.02 Usesappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment,e.g.gloves,gowns,masks,faceshieldsandaprons
1.03 Appliesappropriatelaboratoryhygieneandinfectioncontrolpractices
1.04 Minimizespossibledangersfrombiologicalspecimens,laboratorysupplies,andequipment
1.05 Utilizeslaboratorysafetydevicesinanappropriatemanner,e.g.biologicalsafetycabinets,fumehoods,safetypipettingdevices,safetycontainersandcarriers,safetyshowers,eyewashes
1.06 Labels,dates,handles,stores,anddisposesofchemicals,dyes,reagents,andsolutionsaccordingtoWHMISandexistinglegislation
1.07 Handlesanddisposesofsharpsappropriately
1.08 Stores,handles,transportsanddisposesofbiologicalandotherhazardousmaterialaccordingtoexistinglegislation
1.09 Selectsandutilizestheappropriatemethodforitemstobedisinfected/sterilized
1.10 Minimizesthepotentialhazardsrelatedtodisinfection/sterilizationmethods
1.11 Appliesappropriatemeasuresinresponsetolaboratoryaccidents/incidents
1.12 Appliesappropriatespillcontainmentandcleanupproceduresforbiologicalmaterialsandchemicals
1.13 Respondsappropriatelytoallemergencies
1.14 Reportsanddocumentsallincidentsrelatedtosafetyandpersonalinjury,inatimelymanner
1.15 Appliesproperergonomicprinciplestominimizeriskofinjury
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Category 2: Data Collection and Specimen Procurement/ Receipt
TheCytotechnologistverifiesthatspecimensareprocuredaccordingtoestablishedprotocolsandverifiesrelevantdata.
Number Competency
2.01 Verifiesthatclientdemographicdataontherequisitioncorrespondswiththespecimen
2.02 Providesinformationtotheclientonspecimenprocurement,collection,transportationandstorage
2.03 Verifiesthattherequiredclinicalinformation(e.g.specimensource)isontherequisition
2.04 Deliversspecimensappropriately,consideringpriorityandspecimenstabilityforinterdepartmentaltesting
2.05 Verifiesspecimensuitability,includingadequateamount/volumeandintegrity,forevaluation
2.06 Accessionsspecimensintothelaboratoryinformationsystem
2.07 Identifiesdiscrepanciesinspecimenprocurementand/ordocumentationandinitiatescorrectiveaction
2.08 Complieswithexistingguidelinesforspecimenretention,storage,transportationanddisposal
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Category 3: Specimen Preparation and Pre-analytical Processing
TheCytotechnologistunderstandsandperformspreparatorytechniquesonspecimensthatoriginatefromavarietyofsourcesaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
Number Competency
3.01 Prioritizesspecimenpreparation,e.g.stat,urgent,routine
• Maximizesefficientuseofresources,e.g.time,equipment• Organizesworkflow,asrequired,toaccommodatechangesinpriority
3.02 Verifiesspecimenidentificationistraceablethroughoutsamplepreparation
3.03 Preparesspecimensforcurrentandfutureanalysise.g.gynecologicalandnongynecological,grossing,immunohistochemistry,molecular,andflowcytometry
• Correlatestheclinicalinformationandadjustspreparatorytechniquesaccordingly
3.04 Performstissuepreparationtechniquestoproduceparaffinandfrozensectionsformicroscopicexamination
3.04.01 Operatesandmaintainsinstruments/equipment
3.04.02 Assessesthequalityofthepreparationandinitiatescorrectiveactionasrequired
3.05 Performstechniquestodemonstratecellularandnon-cellularcomponentsintissueandbodyfluids
3.05.01 Operatesandmaintainsinstruments/equipment
3.05.02 Assessesqualityofstainingandinitiatescorrectiveactionasrequired
3.06 Appliestheprinciplesofpreservation,fixation,stainingandcoverslipping
3.07 Assessesthequalityofspecimenpreparationandinitiatescorrectiveactionwhenoptimumresultsarenotproduced
3.08 Complieswithexistingguidelinesforslideretention,storage,transportationanddisposal
Page 8CSMLS Competency Profile - Diagnostic Cytology MLT January 2020
Category 4: Equipment, Instruments and Reagents
TheCytotechnologistuseslaboratoryequipmentandpreparesreagentsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
Number Competency
4.01 Appliestheprinciplesofmicroscopytospecimenanalysis(e.g.brightfield,digital,fluorescence,darkfield,polarizing,electron).
4.02 Operatesandmaintainsstandardlaboratoryequipment(e.g.microscope,centrifuge,biosafetycabinet,microtome,micropipetteandvariousautomatedsystems.)
4.03 Recognizesmalfunctionsinequipmentandinitiatescorrectiveaction
4.04 Preparesreagents
4.05 Operatesacomputerforjobrelatedactivities
Page 9 CSMLS Competency Profile - Diagnostic Cytology MLT January 2020
Category 5: Assessment and Analysis
TheCytotechnologistappliesscientificknowledgeandskillstocriticallyevaluatespecimensandtoprovideanaccuratediagnosisaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
Number Competency
5.01 Recognizestherelationshipbetweenclinicalinformation,laboratoryanalyses,screeningtechniques,diagnoses,reviewofpreviouspatientmaterialandvariousmodesoftreatmentandtheirimpactonpatientcare
5.02 Performsmicroscopicassessmentofspecimensforadequacy
5.03 Recognizesalteredmorphologyasaresultofprocurementandpreparationtechniques,e.g.poorfixation,over-staining,smearingerrors
5.04 Identifiesandevaluatesthemorphologyofthecellularandnoncellularentitiesofspecimens
• Primaryscreeningofcellsandtissue• Differentiatesbetweenclinicallysignificantandinsignificantfindings• Detects,selectsandappropriatelymarks,withahighlevelofaccuracy,
thesignificantcellularandnoncellularentitiesmostrepresentativeofthepathologicprocesspresent
5.05 Demonstratesanunderstandingofmoleculartesting
5.06 Analyzesroutine,specialandancillarystainsandtechniquese.g.Papanicolaou,H&E,telepathology,flowcytometry,FISH,PCRandEM
5.07 Developsdifferentialdiagnosesbasedon:
• clinicalinformation• morphology• ancillarytechniques• methodlimitations,e.g.specificity,sensitivity• knowledgeofpathology
5.08 PerformsandassessesresultsofHumanPapillomaVirus(HPV)testing
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Category 6: Recording and Reporting
TheCytotechnologistusesappropriateterminology,documentsandreportslaboratoryresultsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.
Number Competency
6.01 IssuesafinalreportforgynecologicalspecimensthatarediagnosedasNegativeforIntraepithelialLesionorMalignancyusingthecurrentBethesdareportingsystemforGynecologicCytology
6.02 Refersrelevantspecimens,tothedesignatedindividualwithaninitialdiagnosis
6.03 Communicatesinformationregardingfinaldiagnosestotheappropriateclient(healthcareprofessional)
6.04 Utilizescurrentandappropriatemedicalterminologyandnomenclature
6.05 RecognizesCSCguidelinesforrecordretention
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Category 7: Quality Management
TheCytotechnologistpractisesandpromotestheprinciplesofqualitymanagement.
Number Competency
7.01 Providesaccurateandtimelyresultstotheclient(healthcareprofessional)
7.02 Followsestablishedprotocolsasdefinedinpolicyandproceduremanuals
7.03 Performsandassessesqualitycontrolmeasures(internalandexternal)e.g.equipmentandreagents
7.04 Participatesinqualityassuranceprograms(internalandexternal)
7.05 Identifiesandreportsdeficienciesintheworkplacethatmayaffectthequalityoftesting
7.06 Followsestablishedpreventivemaintenanceprogramsandmaintainsinstrument/equipmentrecords
7.07 Appliescontinuousqualityimprovementtechniquesandriskmanagementprocessestoensurequalityclinicallaboratoryservices
Page 12CSMLS Competency Profile - Diagnostic Cytology MLT January 2020
Category 8: Critical Thinking
TheCytotechnologistappliescriticalthinkingskillstoconstructivelysolveproblems.
Number Competency
8.01 Demonstratesanopeninquiringmindandself-directedlearningprocessesinresolvinganalytical,workplaceandcareerchallenges
8.02 Demonstratestheabilitytoadapttorapidlychangingsituations,e.g.respondsappropriatelytocriticalsituations,retainscomposureinstressfulsituations,appliesexistingskillstonewsituations
8.03 Demonstratesknowledgeofthehealthcaresystemandprofessionallaboratoryorganizationsandresponsibilities
8.04 Demonstratesknowledgeofthedeterminantsofhealthandtheirimplicationsforthelaboratorysystem
8.05 Recognizesthatchangeinitiatedinoneareawillimpactonotherareasofhealthcareservices
8.06 Demonstratesstrategiestoresolveworkplacechallenges
8.06.01 Effectivelyanalyzesandinterpretsdatatoarriveataconclusionorsolveaproblem.
8.06.02 Developsrecommendationsbasedonconclusions
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Category 9: Communication and Interaction
TheCytotechnologistinteractsusingeffectivecommunication,teamworkskillsandinterprofessionalcollaborationwithclientsandotherhealthcareprofessionals.
Number Competency
9.01 Practiceseffectivecommunicationwithclientsandotherhealthcareprofessionals,including:
• Activelistening• Verbalcommunication• Non-verbalcommunication• Writtencommunication• Identifyingbarrierstoeffectivecommunication• Usingtechnologyappropriatelytofacilitatecommunication
9.02 Demonstratesinterpersonalskillswheninteractingwithclientsandhealthcareprofessionals
9.02.01 Recognizessignsofindividualandgroupstress
9.02.02 Demonstratesempathyinassistingcolleaguestodealwithstress
9.02.03 Demonstratestheuseofconflictresolutionskills
9.03 Demonstrateseffectiveteamworkskills
9.04 Demonstratesinterprofessionalcollaborationindealingswithotherhealthcareprofessionals
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Category 10: Professional Practice
TheCytotechnologistmeetsthelegalandethicalrequirementsofpracticeandprotectsthepatient’srighttoareasonablestandardofcare.Professionalpracticeencompassesscopeofpractice,accountabilityandprofessionaldevelopment.
Number Competency
10.01 Takesresponsibility,isaccountableforprofessionalbehaviourandisawarethatbreachesofstandardsofpracticemayleadtodisciplinaryand/orlegalaction
10.02 PromotestheimageandstatusofCytotechnologistsasmembersofthehealthcareteambymaintaininghighstandardsofpractice
10.03 ClarifiestherolesandresponsibilitiesoftheCytotechnologisttootherhealthprofessionals
10.04 PromotesanawarenessandunderstandingofthecontributionthattheCytotechnologistprovidestotheclient(healthcareprofessional)andthepublic
10.05 Participatesintrainingandprofessionaldevelopment,andsharesnewknowledgewithotherhealthcareprofessionals
10.06 Providesforthehealthcareneedsofthepublic,keepingthewelfareandconfidentialityofthepatientparamountatalltimesandrespectsthedignity,values,privacyandbeliefsoftheindividual
10.07 Complieswithlegislationgoverningmedicallaboratorytechnology
10.08 RecognizeshowmoralandethicalissuesinhealthcaremayaffecttheCytotechnologistandclient(healthcareprofessional)
10.09* Recognizeswhenaskedtoperformbeyondscopeofpracticeorcompetenceandseeksappropriateguidance
10.10 RecognizestheCytotechnologist'srighttorefusetoparticipateinpotentiallydangeroussituations
10.11 Practisesinamannerthatcontributestotheefficientuseofhealthcareresourcesandprioritizeworkflowtooptimizepatientoutcomese.g.humanresources,timemanagement,changemanagement,reagents,supplies
10.12 Practicesevidenceinformeddecision-makingskillse.g.currentliteraturereview,collectandanalyzedata,researchmethodologies
*correctedNovember2019
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
33 Wellington Street North Hamilton, ON L8R 1M7
Telephone: (905) 528-8642 or (800) 263-8277 • Fax: (905) 528-4968
Email: [email protected] • Website: www.csmls.org
© Copyright CSMLS 2014