The ASC/SIL Ratio as a Quality Indicator in Cytotechnology

Abstract

Introduction: For cytotechnologists the ratio between atypical squamous cells (ASC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) is one of the quality indicators of the colpocytology screening work process, and according to the literature, this index should not exceed three. Objective: To assess the ASC/SIL Ratio at the Integrated Cytopathology Technology Department, José Alencar Gomes da Silva National Cancer Institute (SITEC/INCA) as a performance and quality indicator among cytotechnologists. Method: Retrospective and quantitative analysis of ASC / SIL ratio. Data was collected from the database at SITEC/INCA, a reference center in cancer cytopathology between July 2013 and June 2014. The sample is represented by 35 regular staff cytotechnologists responsible for the first interpretation of colpocytology exams with a total result of 7,585 ASC and 3,829 SIL. Data collected for the study were plotted in the 2010 Microsoft Excel program. Result: The ASC/SIL Ratio Mean and Median were 2.2% and 1.9%, respectively, among cytotechnologists in the period under study. Conclusion: Results show that the ASC/SIL Ratio of cytotecnologists is an important piece of information for Internal Quality Monitoring (IQM) since it contributes to an appropriate ongoing education plan and is an essential input for assessing the work process quality by professionals.