29-2011.02 · Task explorer
Cytotechnologists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Use the skill profile to plan your next practice →
Read the task inventory
This source lists 13 tasks, including 12 marked Core and 1 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2021.
13 tasks shown
Core · Task 17395 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
Core · Task 17401 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
Core · Task 17405 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
Core · Task 17397 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
Core · Task 17396 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
Core · Task 17402 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
Core · Task 17398 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
Core · Task 17399 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
Core · Task 17404 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
Core · Task 17406 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
Core · Task 17407 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
Core · Task 17408 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.
Supplemental · Task 17400 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert
Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
Keep your worksheet
Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.
Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.