Cytotechnologist, Laboratory Field Services
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: SV80
Class Code: 7910
Established: 11/06/1990
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general direction, in the State Department of Health Services, incumbents administer the State's proficiency testing program for all cytology labs holding a valid clinical laboratory license to operate in California. Conduct competency testing of Cytotechnologists statewide. Inspect and evaluate individual laboratories to assure that analyses are properly performed and meet licensure standards. May act as Laboratory Field Services technical consultants in the field of cytotechnology.
Typical Tasks
Incumbents plan, schedule and conduct the State's competency testing for cytotechnologist license applicants; develop testing procedures; obtain, review and evaluate sample pap smear specimen slides for use in competency tests; establish standards for quality of sample specimens and for accuracy of slide examination results; assess reliability of test results; compute test results and determine applicants' level of competency; schedule and conduct onsite proficiency testing of clinical cytology laboratories and staff to assess overall competency and proficiency of laboratory staff and cytology operations; plan, organize, and conduct special onsite surveys and inspections of cytology facilities by selecting and reviewing previously examined specimen slides and making independent determination to assess the examiners' and facilities' accuracy and reliability; and perform other related cytology activities to improve and maintain quality diagnostic laboratory services in California.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Possession of a valid California Cytotechnologist License issued by the State Department of Health Services. and
Four years of full-time clinical laboratory experience in cytotechnology in a laboratory licensed by the Department of Health Services or certified under the Medicare Program as an independent laboratory.
Or II
Possession of a valid California Cytotechnologist Certificate issued by the State Department of Health Services. and
Four years of full-time clinical laboratory experience in cytotechnology in a laboratory licensed by the Department of Health Services or certified under the Medicare Program as an independent laboratory.
(This pattern will be eliminated effective January 1, 1993, since continued practice of cytology will require passage of a competency test administered by the Department of Health Services. Successfully passing the competency test fulfills license requirements described under Pattern I.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Technical areas of clinical or public health laboratory, including principles, techniques, equipment and terminology used in the laboratory investigation of disease; the causes and methods of transmission and control of communicable disease; current developments in clinical and public health laboratory sciences; State and Federal laws and regulations related to clinical and public health laboratories, biologics production, and proficiency testing services; use of available scientific resource material. Clinical technology, methods and procedures used in the preparation and microscopic examination of slides of exfoliated cells. Knowledge of the use and care of lab instruments equipment and supplies, and the accepted practices of standard records.
Ability to: Perform clinical or other specialized technical procedures; conduct surveys of clinical and public health cytology laboratories, with accuracy, thoroughness and tact; interpret and apply laws and regulations to specific cases; prepare reports; consult with laboratory personnel and administrators. Read clinical lab tests; identify and evaluate normal and abnormal test reactions and/or results; stain and prepare cytologic slides for microscopic examination; microscopically evaluate slide preparations of gynecologic and nongynecologic material; conduct surveys of cytology laboratories, with accuracy, thoroughness, and tact; interpret and apply laws and regulations to specific cases; prepare clear concise reports; consult with lab personnel and administrators and survey team co-workers.
