CYTO - Cytotechnology

Laboratory experience in the screening of gynecological smears.

This course is an overview of general disease processes and causes in the human. All body systems will be covered including respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory, nervous, reproductive, and urinary. Aging, dietary, and stress factors will be discussed in the disease process. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses will be discussed in general and for each body system. Neoplasms will be covered for each body site. This course will be of benefit to anyone interested in diseases of the human body or entering the medical field. (cross listed with MLS 401)

Introduction to histological and cytological features of the normal female genital tract with emphasis on normal and non-neoplastic abnormalities. Principles of cytological diagnostic techniques will be discussed.

This course consists of the systematic study of cellular components as well as the grouping/organization of tissues into major 'organ' systems. Additionally, the cellular basis of examples of human diseases will be studied. Microscopic and virtual identification and morphology of cells, tissues, and organ substructures will be emphasized. This course will be of benefit to anyone interested in diseases of the human body or entering the medical field.

Introduction to diagnostic cytological techniques and pathology of the female reproductive tract with emphasis on premalignant and malignant changes.

Principles of diagnostic cytology and pathology of the respiratory tract, including benign conditions, inflammatory and infectious diseases, premalignant conditions and primary and metastatic malignancies.

Introduction to collection, processing and preparation of cytologic specimens from all body sites and general laboratory procedures and regulations. A portion of this course consists of practical experience acquired in the laboratory. Practical experience will be perfected during clinical site rotations throughout the Cytotechnology Program. Students will learn how to properly write lab reports and papers related to health science fields. This is a writing intensive course.

The course offers an introduction to cytopreparation and ancillary diagnostic techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the principles of cytology preparatory techniques as well as fixation and staining theory and use. In addition, students will learn the application and interpretation of various special and immunohistochemical stains, and understand the various molecular tests available for use in cytopathology.

Study of the pathology and cytology of the gastro-intestinal tract, including the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum. Emphasis on normal conditions, benign inflammatory, infections, parasitic conditions, gastric ulcers, premalignant and malignant lesions.

Study of the pathology and cytology of the genitourinary tract, with emphasis in normal conditions, benign inflammatory and infectious conditions, crystals, premalignant and malignant lesions.

Study of pathology and cytology of the breast, with emphasis on benign, inflammatory conditions, premalignant and malignant disease in both breast smears and fine needle aspirations.

Study of the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavity fluids, synovial and cerebral spinal fluids, with emphasis on benign, inflammatory conditions, and primary and metastatic malignancies.

Study of the pathology and cytology of non-epithelial lesions with emphasis on benign, inflammatory, and malignant conditions.

Study of specialized collection techniques, processing and diagnosis of fine needle aspirations from various body sites, including thyroid, liver, lymph nodes, pancreas, lung, mediastinum, salivary gland, and ovary. Clinical practical application of these principles will be continued at the clinical sites.

Study of specialized collection techniques, processing and diagnosis of fine needle aspirations from various body sites, including kidney, retroperitoneum, breast, soft tissue, bone, eye, central nervous system, and skin. Clinical practical application of these principles will be continued at the clinical sites.

Directly supervised experience in a clinical setting: includes evaluation of gynecologic smears and study set assignments. Students will be exposed to cytopreparatory techniques.

Directly supervised experience in a clinical setting. Includes evaluation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimen slides and study set assignments. Students will pre-screen gynecologic and non-gynecologic smears and study set assignments. Students will be exposed to cytopreparatory techniques.

Directly supervised experience in a clinical setting. Includes evaluation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic smears and study set assignments. Students will be exposed to cytopreparatory techniques.

Independent study of selected topics in clinical cytology. Review of cytologic specimens from various body sites

Supervised experience consists of clinical cases and seminar presentations into current advances within the specialty of clinical cytology. A student research project and oral presentation of current journal articles and the research paper are required.

The course is a comprehensive review course that includes the review and study of the exfoliative and non-exfoliative (including fine needle aspirations) cytomorphologic features of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the female genital tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract, body fluids, lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary glands, pancreas and biliary tract, the diagnostic pitfalls associated with the various body sites, the appropriate use of ancillary techniques in diagnostic cytology, the principles of quality assurance, and the new developments in the field of cytopathology.