Preparing cytotechnologists for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Molecular Biology (MB) Examination. Brenda Sweeney MS, SCT(ASCP)MB CM, Diane Kuebler BS, CT(ASCP)MB CM, David C. Wilbur MD Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL P ATHOLOGY HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL Title: Preparing cytotechnologists for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Molecular Biology (MB) Examination. Introduction: The decline in Pap smear volume and the shift toward use of ancillary molecular testing has motivated our cytology staff to expand their skill sets with a Unit goal of 100% ASCP Molecular Biology (MB) certification. Methods: The ASCP web site lists a daunting variety of a reference sources. A more focused study protocol was developed for our Unit, including a set of study materials derived from published resources and attendance at courses (MD Anderson 1, VCU 2 ). These materials provided insight into current concepts of molecular diagnostics and diseases of interest, and provided the foundation for preparation. A survey was developed to determine what materials were used by the cytotechnologists during their preparation. Results: Using the developed materials, 9 of 10 technologists have successfully obtained certification and the tenth is scheduled to take the exam soon. The focused study materials recommended are illustrated in table 1. Specific books, flash cards, and mock exams were the most commonly used materials. Discussion: Accountable care and decreasing availability of health care reimbursement will have a major impact on pathology with a shift toward ancillary procedures performed on smaller FNA specimens. Development of molecular skills is in accord with the ASC White Paper Potential Strategy "#4: Establish a model for core skills of a cytopathology assistant." Expansion of this skill set will better prepare cytotechnologists for the future as the profession adapts to change. MB certification will allow flexibility for employment as cytotechnologists can function in multiple areas of the laboratory, especially at institutions where volume dictates the need for cross-training in multiple areas. CT 1 CT 2 CT 3 CT 4 CT 5 CT 6 CT 7 CT 8 CT 9 Frequency of use for each reference Courses MD Molecular Exam Review√ Lab Practicum√ Books Molecular Diangnostic: Fundamentals, Methods and Clinical Applications. Buckingham and Flaws√√√√√ √√√8 Molecular Biology Made Simple and Fun. David P. Clark√√ √ √√ √6 One Renegade Cell Robert A. Weinberg√√ 2 Idiots Guide to Molecular Biology Need Author √ 1 Flash Cards MGH set√√ √√√ √√7 Quizlet.com √ 1 Flashcarddb.com √ 1 Mock Exams (MD ) √√√√√√√√√9 PowerPoints from MD √ 1 Online ASC Core Curriculum √ √ √√4 MIT Opencourse Ware √ 1 Hologic Molecular Materials √ 1 Google√ √√ √4 Wikipedia √ 1 Youtube √ 1 Cytologystuff √ √ 2 Total reference materials used per cytotech “The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is a recognized leader in certification of medical laboratory professionals. By earning credentials from the ASCP BOC, laboratory professionals demonstrate their competence to carry out their responsibilities in this critical profession. In turn, they reap the benefits of better job prospects, higher salaries and the respect of colleagues. Long considered the “gold standard,” BOC certification is sought out by seven times as many laboratory professionals as any other lab professional credentialing organization.” 3 References: The following eligibility routes apply to candidates who wish to sit for the ASCP MB exam. Most cytotechnologists qualify via Route 1. Route 1: ASCP certified as a technologist (MLS, CG, CT, HTL, BB, C, H, I or M) or specialist (SBB, SC, SCT, SH, SI, SM or SV), AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university; OR Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited diagnostic molecular science program, within the last 5 years; OR Route 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND one year full time acceptable experience (clinical, veterinary, industry or research) in a molecular biology laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory** within the last five years; OR Route 4: Graduate level degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field from a regionally accredited college/university, AND six months acceptable clinical laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics in the U.S., Canada or an accredited clinical laboratory** within the last five years. 4 Without formal training in molecular biology the prospect of sitting for the ASCP molecular certification exam can be daunting. At MGH we were all able to successfully pass the exam by focusing mainly on the 4 highlighted sources in the above chart: 1. Text book - Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods and Clinical Applications by Buckingham and Flaws, 2. Text book - Molecular Biology Made Simple and Fun by David P. Clark. 3. Mock exams supplied at the MD Anderson review course and 4. Flashcards made up by MGH personnel based on the above books and mock exams. The ASC also offers a Core Curriculum course for ASC members online. This course was not available when the first cytotechnologist from MGH sat for the exam but was used by Cytotechs as it became available.