Editorial

CLINICAL CYTOLOGY: WHY AND HOW?

ŽELJKA ZNIDARČIĆ ; Croatian Society of Clinical Cytology, Croatian Medical Association, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Clinical cytology is a morphological diagnostic profession, which has not been properly utilized in current medicine, primarily due to inadequate awareness among physicians of its diagnostic possibilities and advantages. The purpose of this historical review of clinical cytology and its diagnostic role is to contribute to higher awareness of the current possibilities offered by cytologic diagnosis and its future development in the era of technological progress and medical striking into profitability, with its negative connotations. The main features of cytologic diagnosis, i.e. non-aggressiveness, simplicity, promptness and accuracy, should be maintained while following new technological possibilities. Standard cytomorphology provides a basis for deciding on using additional technologies (cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, molecular analysis and cytogenetics) after thorough microscopic analysis, on cytologic samples or/and cytologic smears. The conditio sine qua non for that purpose is appropriate education of cytologists and cytotechnologists as well as appropriate organization of cytology in the healthcare system. As in the historical development of clinical cytology, enthusiasts are necessary to maintain and even improve all its possibilities to the benefit of our patients.

Keywords

history of clinical cytology; actual use of cytodiagnosis; education in cytology; future development of clinical cytology

Hrčak ID:

117902

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/117902

Publication date:

19.3.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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