Training for cytotechnologists and cytopathologists in the developing world

Currently there is a major challenge to train sufficient cytopathologists and cytotechnicians in developing countries that have poor medical and pathology infrastructure. Cytology requires well trained pathologists and laboratory staff but it needs only minimal laboratory resources. Cytology can provide the material for rapid, accurate and inexpensive diagnoses of infections such as tuberculosis and of benign and malignant palpable and impalpable lesions. Cytology can achieve this in the developing world by utilizing fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology, general fluids cytology and cervical cytology, in the same manner as is currently done in the developed world where cytology specimens are used to make cytomorphological diagnoses and increasingly to provide material for the full range of ancillary testing including molecular pathology. There are a number of ways to develop sustainable training in cytology in developing countries, especially in fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology, and these are presented and discussed.