Got Path? Pathology Inc. Consensus Conference 10.16.2007

New Journal Articles

The ASC/SIL Ratio for Cytopathologists as a Quality Control Measure. Am J Clin Pathol 2007;128:653-656. Nascimento AF and Cibas ES.

At Pathology Inc. we have been utilizing the ASC/SIL ratio in a similar fashion as this article depicts. The data for all of the cytotechs are presented in graphical form and the identity of the individuals is hidden. Each cytotech, however, knows how each stands with respect to the others. In the years since we have instituted this policy, our ASC/SIL ratio has decreased, similar to the results documented in the study.

Impact of Expected Changes in National Papanicolaou Test Volume on the Cytotechnology Labor Market: An Impending Crisis. Am J Clin Pathol 2007;128:665-670. Eltoum IA and Roberson J.

This is a topic that many of us in the laboratory business have privately discussed. This article, written by a pathologist and a cytotechnologist, is one of the first to critically examine the potential economic and workload impact of HPV DNA testing and HPV vaccines. There are several assumptions that are made but if current guidelines are adopted, especially HPV vaccination, the net result is a significant decrease in the demand for future cytotechnologists.

I welcome your email comments.

Submitted by Paul K. Shitabata, M.D. Medical Director, Pathology Inc.

2006 ASCCP Guidelines for Women with Cervical Cytological Abnormalities	Pathology Inc. Consensus Conference October 16, 2007
	Topic of the Day The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) has published the 2006 Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Women with Cervical Cytological Abnormalities. New guidelines are given for adolescent women (<20 years), pregnant women with LSIL, and the use of HPV DNA testing as an adjunct to cytology for cervical cancer screening in women > 30 years. Also included are the ASCCP 2006 guidelines for the management of women with CIN or AIS diagnosed by coloposcopic biopsy.
	New Journal Articles The ASC/SIL Ratio for Cytopathologists as a Quality Control Measure. Am J Clin Pathol 2007;128:653-656. Nascimento AF and Cibas ES. At Pathology Inc. we have been utilizing the ASC/SIL ratio in a similar fashion as this article depicts. The data for all of the cytotechs are presented in graphical form and the identity of the individuals is hidden. Each cytotech, however, knows how each stands with respect to the others. In the years since we have instituted this policy, our ASC/SIL ratio has decreased, similar to the results documented in the study. Impact of Expected Changes in National Papanicolaou Test Volume on the Cytotechnology Labor Market: An Impending Crisis. Am J Clin Pathol 2007;128:665-670. Eltoum IA and Roberson J. This is a topic that many of us in the laboratory business have privately discussed. This article, written by a pathologist and a cytotechnologist, is one of the first to critically examine the potential economic and workload impact of HPV DNA testing and HPV vaccines. There are several assumptions that are made but if current guidelines are adopted, especially HPV vaccination, the net result is a significant decrease in the demand for future cytotechnologists. I welcome your email comments. Submitted by Paul K. Shitabata, M.D. Medical Director, Pathology Inc.
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