Educational Objectives:
1. Recognize those cytology cases with emerging applicable new molecular diagnostic technology
2. Understand the application of molecular diagnostic testing in cytopathology
3. Be familiar with how to integrate molecular pathology data into the diagnostic process
4. Learn how to report the information in order to clearly communicate its significance

The utilization of molecular diagnostic is becoming an increasing important part of the cytopathology laboratory. There has been significant growth of available testing methodologies applicable to a wide variety of specimen sources submitted for diagnosis. This course will utilize morphology based cytopathology cases to demonstrate and illustrate the corresponding emerging molecular diagnostics. The underlying concepts, technology and tools used with be discussed. These will include in-situ hybridization, nucleic acid amplification, and mutation analysis. A practical discussion about incorporating cytotechnologists will be covered. Participants will learn how these tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and identify subsets within diseases which impact patient care and management. Results reporting and clear communication of findings and corresponding educational recommendations will be discussed. Topics covered will include pancreatobiliary, thyroid, pulmonary, urinary, cervical, head and neck, and soft tissue cytopathology tests.