Cytotechnologist

Class Specifications – H.80
Supervising Cytotechnologist – 8951
Senior Cytotechnologist – 8952
Cytotechnologist – 8953

April, 1990

Series Concept

Cytotechnologists prepare and stain slides and microscopically evaluate and record gynecological materials (i.e. vaginal, cervical and endocervical smears). Incumbents give final microscopic interpretation for negative smears; interpret nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities in order to give preliminary diagnoses on atypical smears; identify fungal, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections; and interpret hormonal index when required. Cytotechnologists microscopically evaluate and record smears from non-gynecological sources such as the respiratory tract, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, cerebrospinal fluid, serous fluids, breast and Fine Needle Aspirations for a multitude of abnormalities such as inflammatory conditions, chemotherapy and radiation changes, as well as presence or absence of cancer cells. Incumbents record cytology/histology correlations, determining specimens and tissues to be correlated, searching files and records and assembling and preparing complete documentation for physicians’ reviews; and perform other related duties as required.

Class Concepts

Supervising Cytotechnologist

Under direction, incumbents are assigned technical responsibility for a group of cytotechnologists. Incumbents typically supervise at least two Cytotechnologists and perform duties which include conducting interviews for hiring; orienting new employees; assigning work schedules, and directing the work of Senior cytotechnologists and cytotechnologists; determining that work is properly completed and reported; monitoring the quality control of procedures in compliance with departmental policies; monitoring problems relating to performance, scheduling, procedures, equipment, supplies, or other daily activities; keeping subordinates apprised of procedural and policy changes; completing performance appraisals, and initiating corrective action as appropriate.

Incumbents may in addition assist in the development of new and improved laboratory techniques, perform advanced operational Senior Cytotechnologist and operational Cytotechnologist duties as required; and be assigned responsibility for the budget and labor safety.

Senior Cytotechnologist

Under general supervision, incumbents perform advanced operational duties. Typically, incumbents are assigned the most difficult cytotechnological preparations and microscopic evaluations; serve as lead or technical expert in the laboratory; develop new and improved laboratory techniques; and perform the range of duties outlined in the series concept.

Cytotechnologist

Under general supervision, incumbents perform the range of duties outlined in the series concept.

Minimum Qualifications

Certification as a Cytotechnologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and registration as a Cytotechnologist with the State of California. Applicants and incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position.

Note: Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the Personnel Manager in accordance with the provisions of Administrative and Professional Staff Policy 120.5.