Cytology Services
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
The MAWD Pathology Group Cytology Department is directed by Pablo J. Hernandez-Rios. Dr. Hernandez is boarded in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, and has earned a specialty board in Cytopathology.
CYTOTECHNOLOGIST CERTIFICATION
All of our Cytotechnologists have been certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Additionally, they are certified to interpret ThinPrep Pap Tests. The Department participates in ongoing continuing education for gynecological and non-gynecological specimens and participates in an annual proficiency testing program.
QUALITY DISTINCTIONS
During the year, we will process and evaluate over 27,000 cytology cases.
We believe that the accuracy and reproducibility of our cytology diagnosis are unsurpassed for several reasons:
- our highly trained, competent cytotechnologists, whose performance is extensively monitored;
- quality processing and staining procedures; and
- state-of-the-art technologies, such as the ThinPrep Imaging System and the Cellient Cell block processing system, which provide additional assurance that your patients are receiving the best specimen interpretations available.
We staff our department to ensure optimal turnaround time, relieving your staff of repetitious telephone calls from anxious patients. Our standard turnaround time is:
- < 3 days for normal ThinPrep results; and
- < 5 days for those cases requiring a pathologist review.
We send a follow-up letter to your office after six months (for HSIL cases) and thirteen months (all other abnormal cases) if we have not received any specimens after reporting an abnormal result. This optimizes patient outcomes and facilitates quality assurance for your practice and ours.
Customized, monthly reports are available which summarize either all or abnormal only Pap Test diagnoses reported for your practice to further assist you with patient follow-up.
