[Histonet] RE: Cytology Question for you Cytotechs

[Joe W. Walker, Jr.]

Good morning, Wanda,

The answer is "it depends".  CLIA is pretty specific on what a cytotechs can and cannot do.  If your cytotechnologist qualifies as a cytology general supervisor, then they could perform the function that you are referring.  CLIA 493.1469, which refers to cytology general supervisors states:
...(a) Be qualified as a technical supervisor
under § 493.1449 (b) or (k); or
(b)(1) Be qualified as a
cytotechnologist under § 493.1483; and
(2) Have at least 3 years of full-time
(2,080 hours per year) experience as a
cytotechnologist within the preceding
10 years...

As to whether the cytotech should or should perform the task, this should be discussed with your technical supervisor of the laboratory who is ultimately responsible for the quality of work that occurs within your laboratory.  I personally believe that for an effective quality management program in cytology, the review you are describing should be performed by a different individual.  Cytotechnologists should be allowed to review the cases that are determined to be a miss and should also have input into what is considered "a miss" within your laboratory.

If you would like to contact me off line, I have lots of material that I could share with you concerning best practices of quality management in the cytology laboratory.

Cheers,

Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)CM
Anatomical Pathology Manager
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701
P: 802.747.1790  F: 802.747.6525
NEW EMAIL: joewalker <@t> rrmc.org
www.rrmc.org

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-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Wanda.Smith <@t> HCAhealthcare.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 5:11 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Cytology Question for you Cytotechs

Or a question for you HT and HTL's that manage Cytotechs in your labs....

Is it written ANYWHERE that a Cytotech cannot or should not review their correlations and make the call whether there is a discrepancy or miss???  Then document themselves on it?
Does this make sense?
Thanks,
Wanda

WANDA G. SMITH, HTL(ASCP)HT
Pathology Supervisor
TRIDENT MEDICAL CENTER
9330 Medical Plaza Drive
Charleston, SC  29406
843-847-4586
843-847-4296 fax
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