New cytology portfolios announced

The changes also reflect the increasing role molecular based techniques are playing across pathology as a whole and increasingly so within cytology.

The outcome of the review is two new cytology portfolios in cervical and diagnostic cytology that have evolved from the previous combined version. Additional elements have been added to both fields to reflect the expansion of expected knowledge now required. This can be seen most noticeably within the diagnostic cytology version.

Individuals successfully completing one of the new cytology portfolios will be awarded a Specialist Diploma in either Cervical or Diagnostic Cytology. For the small number of individuals who continue to work in laboratories that provide both cervical and diagnostic services, there is the option to complete both portfolios at the same time or separately and then to receive two separate Specialist Diploma awards if they are assessed to have met the required standards within each portfolio.

A separate assessment will be required for each version. There may be elements within each portfolio that are not part of a laboratory’s repertoire; in these instances, the candidate must ensure the knowledge elements are fully evidenced. Training officers and managers are encouraged to provide candidates with practical experience to support the required knowledge elements that may involve a visit to another laboratory to experience the practical application of elements not handled in their own department.

The new portfolios can be applied for via the usual process for ordering Specialist Portfolios. It is hoped that these new portfolios will better support the training and development of our biomedical scientist workforce as we operate in new and different ways.