cervical screening
The test conducted on cells coming from the women`s cervix used to determine pre-cancerous tissues. Cervical screening can be performed via the Papanicolaou test (Pap test) and liquid-based cytology.
Cytotechnologists examines under a miscrocope samples of human cells obtained from various body parts such as the female reproductive tract, the lung or gastrointestinal tract, assist in identifying cell abnormality and disease such as cancer or infectious agents under supervision, following the orders of the doctor of medicine. The abnormal cells are being transferred to the pathologist for medical diagnosis. They may also work under the supervision of a biomedical scientist. They do not treat patients or assist in medical treatments.
Competences and skills
55 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 14 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencescytopathology
The procedures to examine loose cells, which are spread and stained on glass slides using cytology techniques. The examination of cervical smear, sputum and gastric washing.
Sector-specific
4 competencesbiosafety in biomedical laboratory
The principles and methods for managing infectious materials in the laboratory environment, biosafety levels, classification and risk assessment, pathogenicity and toxicity of a living organism and their possible hazards in order to minimise any risks for human health and the environment.
green
fine-needle aspiration
The type of biopsy through which a thin needle is inserted into an area of body tissue and analysed in the laboratory to determine whether the tissue is benign or malignant.
- Scope note
- It includes testing for diagnosing the status of breast lumps.
professional documentation in health care
The written standards applied in the health care professional environments for documentation purposes of one`s activity.
tissue cytogenetics
The procedure for visualising chromosomes in order to identify genetics defects such as chromosomal translocation.
Cross-sector
8 competenceschemistry
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
clinical cytology
The science of the formation, structure, and function of cells.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
infection control
The routes of transmission and methods of preventing spread of common and important infecting organisms together with the methods available for sterilisation and disinfection of pathogenic organisms in the prevention of infection.
medical informatics
The processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.
digital
microscopic techniques
The techniques, functions and limitations of microscopy to visualise objects that cannot be seen with the normal eye.
sterilization techniques
The methods and techniques used to destroy or remove microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that can contaminate medical instruments or any type of material in a health care setting.
Essential skills and competences 23 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesperform gynecological examination
Conduct a thorough examination and screening tests of the female patient`s genitals, taking a pelvic pap smear to ensure there is no abnormality, such as cancerous tissue or sexually transmitted diseases. Identify and diagnose most common gynecological diseases.
recognize cytologic abnormalities
Identify cytologic abnormal cases such as infectious agents, inflammatory processes and precancerous lesions in gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens.
Sector-specific
15 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
apply good clinical practices
Ensure compliance with and application of the ethical and scientific quality standards used to conduct, record and report clinical trials that involve human participation, at an international level.
apply safety procedures in laboratory
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
assist in the production of laboratory documentation
Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.
carry out flow cytometry
Integrate and interpret data generated from flow cytometry histograms into the diagnostic, such as diagnose malignant lymphoma, using flow cytometry technology.
check the received biological samples
Ensure that the received biological samples such as blood and tissues, are correctly labeled, registered and contain the appropriate information about the patient.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
conduct cancer screening tests
Undertake screening test at an early stage, before cancer symptoms appear, taking physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures and genetic tests.
ensure public safety and security
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
examine cell specimens microscopically
Prepare and put the cell specimens received for examination on slides, stain and mark cellular changes and abnormalities.
follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health
Adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures for activities that involve hazardous substances, such as bacteria, allergens, waste oil, paint or brake fluids that result in illness or injury.
green
label medical laboratory samples
Correctly label samples of the medical laboratory with the accurate information, according to the implemented quality system in place.
provide test results to medical staff
Record and pass test results to medical staff, who use the information to diagnose and treat patient`s illness.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
6 competencescommunicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
maintain medical laboratory equipment
Regularly check the condition of medical laboratory equipment used, clean, and perform maintenance operations, as necessary.
manage infection control in the facility
Implement a set of measures to prevent and control infections, formulating and establishing health and safety procedures and policies.
- Scope note
- Includes procedures such as hand washing, disinfection and proper skin care, universal hygiene precautions, collection and handling of laboratory specimens, segregation and disposal of waste materials, decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment, reporting and treatment of sharps injuries, and dealing with blood and body fluid spillages.
operate microscope
Operate a microscope, an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye to see.
Optional knowledge 8 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesgenomics
The field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products and the analysis of the structure and function of these sequences through employing recombinant DNA and bioinformatics approaches.
transplantation
The principles of organ and tissue transplantation, the principles of transplant immunology, immunosuppression, donation and procurement of tissue, and indications for organ transplantation.
urogynaecology
The diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence and female pelvic floor disorders.
urolithiasis in the urinary tract
The causes of stone formation in the urinary tract, the different types of stone composition and the treatment methods for urolithiasis and different methods for voiding the upper urinary tract in the case of obstruction.
Cross-sector
4 competencesbiostatistics
The methods used to apply statistics in biology-related topics.
medical genetics
The diagnosis, types and treatment of hereditary disorders; a type of genetics which refers to the application to medical care.
medical terminology
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
pedagogy
The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.
Optional skills and competences 10 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencecoordinate the procurement of organs for transplantation
Manage all the required services and administrative tasks required to handle and obtain cells, tissues or organs for transplantation purposes.
Sector-specific
3 competencesaddress side effects of menopause
Address side effects of menopause such as fatigue, body temperature changes, mood swings, depression and weight gain. Search for symptoms of health problems that can be caused by menopause, such as heart disease, vision issues and osteoporosis.
interpret urology diagnostic tests
Perform diagnostic procedures relevant to urology such as urinalysis, semen analysis, prostatic fluid examination, ultrasonography of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate.
perform virological test
Select, perform and interpret relevant virological tests related to eye infections, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, etc.
Cross-sector
6 competencesconduct health related research
Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.
- Scope note
- Research topics may include illness, acute, chronic and non-communicable conditions, public health, clinical research, health promotion and disease prevention topics.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
observe confidentiality
Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.