A cytologist is a medical doctor who specializes in cell research. He could focus his research on animal cells, plant cells, or a combination of the two. A cytologist usually works in a hospital, clinic, or medical research company’s medical laboratory.
A cytologist’s primary tool is a microscope. He spends a lot of time sectioning cells and looking at them on slides. To better observe the activity of the tissues, he uses a microtome to slice them into minuscule pieces on a regular basis. Another important aspect of his job is staining, which involves exposing tissues to various substances and analyzing the colors that emerge.
A person in this profession usually has little to no contact with patients. He frequently collaborates with one or more pathologists in the laboratory. Physicians frequently consult with him when attempting to narrow down a diagnosis so that the disease can be treated more precisely.
The discovery of new diseases relies heavily on cell analysis. It is also frequently the key to discovering cures for both new and old ailments. Cytologists are frequently the first to notice changes in cells that lead to medical breakthroughs.
His research could also link precancerous tissue formation or other health risks to changes in cell tissues or activity. Analyzing how chemicals and external influences affect malignant cancer cells is a common part of his job. These breakthroughs can lead to better treatments or even the eradication of certain diseases.
Other areas of focus for a cytologist include reproductive cell formation and chromosomal activity. Under a microscope, he can see how eggs and sperm bond and how chromosomes divide and fuse, which helps him figure out how and why mutations happen and how to prevent them. A cytologist’s focus is usually on single cells such as protozoa and amoebas that affect human, animal, and plant growth patterns.
A cytologist is responsible for keeping his laboratory clean and orderly in addition to studying cells under a microscope. A cytologist must be organized and meticulous in his specimen control because he usually has several research projects running at the same time. He is also expected to keep meticulous records of his data and write reports for physicians and pathologists to review.
This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in cytology or cytotechnology. Some employers demand a master’s degree in these fields of study. In some regions, a pathology license or certificate is also required.