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Objectives Expanding the virtual microscopy (VM) slide collection for nongynecological cytology is important to teaching. In a mixed-methods approach, this study evaluated VM's performance and user experience to determine its feasibility and usage in an educational setting. Methods From September through October 2022, the students reviewed 44 whole-slide imaged nongynecological slides. The concordance rate with reference diagnosis was compared with that from light microscopy (LM) from 4 months earlier. In addition to assessing the overall performance from VM, imaged urinary cytology's accuracy was reviewed for both urinary and nonurinary cytology. Finally, the students' weekly feedback logs were analyzed to gain insights for improving the digital screening experience. Results The overall nongynecological diagnostic accuracy was significant between the 2 screening platforms (P <.001), favoring LM over the VM platform. Light microscopy also performed better than VM in urine cytology cases, with 84.2% concordance against reference diagnosis, compared with 61.1% for the VM platform (P =.03). As for the accuracy of nonurinary cases, its glass slide (LM) agreement with the reference diagnosis was also superior at 84.8%, compared with 58.8% for VM (P =.03). Finally, the overarching theme discerned from reviewing the user logs was concern over image quality, which was mentioned 76 times. Conclusions The VM results were poorer compared with LM in our validation. Its use seems promising, but more focus is needed to improve the VM screening platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement in our understanding of the causative agents involved with cancer, there has been a considerable amount of debate within the laboratory and cytology community regarding how best to screen for cervical cancer. This paper attempts to review the three different approaches to cervical cancer screening through the lens of the four facie prima principles of biomedical ethics, including the respect for autonomy, principle of beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Analyzing the debate on cervical cancer screening platforms through the lens of the four principles of biomedical ethics ensures a comprehensive examination of all facets of the discussion, including a review of not only benefits and harm but also ensures that the final policy is fair and respectful for all the stakeholders. The conclusion from the analysis favors the use of co-testing but also supports making HPV primary and Pap testing viable options, depending on the needs of the community, patients, and providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While having a dedicated and productive workforce is the cornerstone of a functioning society, the key is sustainability. Allied health laboratory burnout, characterized by mental exhaustion which negatively affects workplace performance, has worsened during the COVID pandemic. For purposes such as these, the issue must be addressed to ensure that the US will have an adequate workforce to meet the laboratory testing needs of an aging population and any potential future pandemics that may arise. The answer to reducing toxic or challenging workplace environments and improving human workforce sustainability is through transparency and anonymous reporting mandates so the data collected from individual laboratories can be reported as a single "human sustainability" score that reflects the health measure of the laboratory. The 10 laboratories with the highest scores could be listed in the laboratory professional magazine's version of "America's Most Admired Laboratories" and the worst performers in the "Improvements-Needed" listing. Companies are inherently competitive, and this forces laboratories to be more cognizant of workforce well-being and the rate of burnout and work-related chronic conditions. This article outlines how the human sustainability advocacy plan can be implemented using ideas gleaned from Bardach's eight-fold path paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the Cytotechnology Program Review Committee (CPRC) shared its intent to transition all undergraduate and certificate training programs to a Master's degree curriculum by 2022, mixed opinions have been expressed by various stakeholders from the larger pathology and allied health communities. In order to build a consensus path forward, a framework entitled "Walk in the Woods," an international diplomacy approach, is described. Unlike many problem-solving approaches which directly identify a problem and potential solutions, this approach is a four-step process which includes: (1) self-interest, (2) enlarged interest, (3) enlightened interest, and (4) aligning interest; each step builds on the preceding step. While four steps may take longer than the traditional "problem to solution" paradigm, the purpose of each step is to increase transparency and clarity in a complex multiparty negotiation, such as the path forward for cytotechnology. This commentary demonstrates, in a step-by-step manner, how a "Walk in the Woods" can aid in the facilitation of the transition of the cytology degree to an entry-level Master's degree curriculum and evidence- and interest-based negotiation approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The specific aims of the study are to determine skillsets most valuable to regional employers of cytotechnologists and assess the employers' willingness to use graduating MS cytology practitioners in the expanded scope of practice.Methods: Data from the greater New York region were collected via a web-based survey distributed to a broad sample of laboratory professionals involved with hiring in a variety of institutions.Results: The three skillsets most important to New York employers and most employable are fine-needle aspiration adequacy assessment, regulatory acumen, and prescreening cell blocks. The skills that are of least important and least employable are prescreening high-volume tissue biopsy specimens and histology.Conclusions: The results of this survey shed light on regional employers' perspectives regarding the skillsets that are most important and marketable in the greater New York region and may be useful for subsequent curriculum development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]