Current practice patterns in nongynecologic and fine-needle aspiration cytology

The American Society of Cytopathology Clinical Practice Committee in collaboration with the American Society of Cytotechnology surveyed cytology practitioners to better understand current practices related to nongynecologic (NGYN) cytology. While work practices in gynecologic (GYN) cytology are highly regulated with limited variation among specimens and processing techniques, practice patterns for NGYN cytology are less standardized among laboratories.

An NGYN cytology survey was created that consisted of 40 questions focusing on 6 main topic areas: (1) practice settings and demographic data; (2) NGYN non-fine-needle aspiration cytology; (3) fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology; (4) rapid on-site evaluation practices; (5) workload recording practices; and (6) expanding roles of the cytotechnologist (CT). The survey was sent to all American Society of Cytopathology and American Society of Cytotechnology members and remained available for 40 days.

There were 368 survey participants (14% response rate) with nearly equal participation among CTs, cytology general managers and/or supervisors, and pathologists representing a variety of practice types. Most laboratories (87%) are providing a rapid on-site evaluation service for FNA specimens. The role of CTs is expanding with the majority of respondents stating that CTs assist with both clinician-performed and pathologist-performed FNA acquisition (77% and 50%, respectively), telecytology (16%), and screening of ancillary studies, including special stains (64%), immunohistochemistry (23%), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (16%).

Knowledge of NGYN cytology practice patterns among laboratories may contribute information to better define the future of cytotechnology, support reimbursement initiatives, and enhance quality and efficiencies in the cytology laboratory.