Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs examinations and tests. Examines cytologic smears to detect pre-malignant and malignant disease and other histological changes of the uterine cervix and of other biologic sites. Determines typical and atypical cells through the systematic microscopic examination of slides. Stains cytological preparations for determining hormone levels, sex chromatin bodies, and intracellular inclusions. Examines body fluids to determine appropriate cytopathology. Prepares smears, cell blocks, and microporous filters. Differentiates between malignant cells and those cells that reflect inflammatory reactivity and degeneration. Interprets cytologic changes occurring as a consequence of pregnancy, medication, irradiation, and other physiologic change. Recognizes bacterial, fungal, and viral infections and parasitic infestations. Refers all abnormal gynecological and nongynecological findings to the cytopathologist for review.
Maintains cytology records and equipment. Supervises cytology service operations, including quality assurance and quality control programs, and equipment maintenance, supplies, fixatives, and staining preparations, together with accurate and timely records completion and reports submission. Monitors compliance with accreditation standards.
Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: staining and screening cytology specimens; normal, atypical, and abnormal cells from female genital tract and other body sites; medical terminology, ethics, and administration; routine equipment maintenance; and accreditation standards.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of 60 college semester hours, to include 20 semester hours in biological sciences, is mandatory.
Training. For award of AFSC 4T033, completion of a cytotechnology course from an accredited school as determined by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association, and as administered by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences is mandatory.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: (Note: See
Explanation of Air Force Specialty Codes).
4T053. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 4T033. Also, experience performing specialty tests in cytotechnology.
4T073. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 4T053. Also, experience supervising and performing specialty tests in cytotechnology.
Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:
For entry into this specialty, normal color vision as defined in
AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.
For retention of AFSC 4T073, successful passage of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Cytotechnologist Registry Examination.
Strength Req: G
Physical Profile: 333333
Citizenship: No
Required Appitude Score : G-43 (Changed to G-44, effective 1 October 2004).
Technical Training:
Course #: J5ABA4T033 001
Length (Days): 260
Location: S
