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

mailto:[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

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


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%


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.


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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

mailto:[email protected]

www.csmls.org

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