The future of cytotechnology

The future of cytotechnology will reflect the sweeping changes taking place in diagnostic cytology today. These changes affect a variety of issues including the decreasing enrollment in cytotechnology training programs, the growing shortage of qualified technologists, the dilemma of unfavorable publicity, and the implementation of increasing government legislation. Despite these difficulties, this is a technically exciting time in cytology. Many new techniques, including immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, image analysis, and DNA hybridization, are currently being applied to diagnostic cytology. The need for reform and the prospect of state-of-the-art technology will combine to shape the profession of cytotechnology.