LQB683 Diagnostic Cytopathology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The goal of cytopathology is to predict the underlying histology of lesions using small samples obtained by minimally invasive methods. The results are used to direct patient management and often involve the integration of diagnostic tests you have developed and applied in earlier units, such as histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology. This unit builds on the knowledge and practical skills you have gained in LSB466 and LSB566 to expand your practical/technical and diagnostic skills. This unit prepares you for employment in a diagnostic cytopathology laboratory and introduces the types of specimens reported, methods of processing applied and the cytological features used to diagnose tumours and benign conditions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the collection and preparation methods and the instruments routinely used in cytopathology laboratories. as they apply to different body sites
2. Describe the anatomy, histology and cytology of common neoplasms and benign conditions of the female genital, urinary and respiratory tracts and correctly identify normal and abnormal cellular components and common pathogens found in cytological preparations and appropriate confirmatory tests.
3. Describe the anatomy, histology and cytology of common neoplasms and benign conditions of effusions, breast, thyroid and lymph nodes, and correctly identify normal and abnormal cellular components and common pathogens found in cytological preparations and appropriate confirmatory tests.
4. Demonstrate appropriate professional ethics in the practice of medical laboratory science and knowledge relating to occupational health and safety and quality assurance in cytopathology.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is based on a lecture, tutorial and a practical class each week. Practical classes will provide experience with the common preparation methods and in the microscopic interpretation of 'real life' specimens. Microscope sessions will allow you to apply your learning and to develop and demonstrate your diagnostic skills. This unit will use a blend of face to face and online learning. You will be expected to actively engage with, and take responsibility for, self-directed learning. Relevant learning materials such as images, microscope videos and quizzes are accessible via Canvas. These are designed to consolidate your knowledge and give immediate feedback on your learning. Cytological slide sets are available during private study times and image-based quizzes are also available to assist with your learning and test your knowledge and interpretive skills. Some practicals will also involve case-based tutorials designed to develop problem-solving skills and integrate clinical information with microscopic features.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

A practical examination will be held mid Semester and you will receive feedback on your performance. Formative practical assessments are run weekly and feedback will be provided each practical class. Canvas resources, such as a image quizzes, will allow you to monitor your progress and identify areas you may need to concentrate. A practice exam will also be held prior to the final practical examination to familiarise you with the format and help you identify areas requiring more effort.

During, and at the end of Semester, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences and thoughts by providing your feedback on the teaching and content of this unit. Your ideas and suggestions may be used to make changes to the unit (e.g. classroom activities, practicals or assessment) where appropriate to improve the learning outcomes for you and future students.

Assessment

Overview

General Assessment Information

Due to the applied clinical laboratory nature of LQB683 and for you to meet the requirements of course accreditation, threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A minimum of 50% in both theory and combined practical assessment tasks is required to successfully complete this unit. If you fail either the practical or theory assessment components, and have meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks, and have obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this, you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However, if you do not pass this additional assessment, you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment

Practical Class Attendance and Assessment

Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LQB683, if you are unable to attend a practical session, you should inform the unit coordinator by email within 48hrs and provide supporting documentation for your absence e.g. medical certificate. For approved absences alternate arrangements will be accommodated on up to two occasions. Approved absences in excess of two occasions will need to be discussed with the unit coordinator. In the case of unapproved absences from practical sessions, no marks will be given for related assessment. Participation in the practical sessions is necessary for completion of these assessments.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Practical Exam weeks 1-7

This practical examination covers the core knowledge and competency skills of weeks one to seven of the unit and provide you with feedback on your progress in the unit. (formative and summative). 

You will review and clinically interpret cytopathology slides and images of pathological conditions.

Threshold Assessment:

Due to the applied clinical laboratory nature of LQB683 and for you to meet the requirements of course accreditation, threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A minimum of 50% in both theory and practical assessment tasks is required to successfully complete this unit. If you fail either the practical or theory assessment components, and have meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks, and have obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this, you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However, if you do not pass this additional assessment, you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment

Assessment: Examination (practical)

You will review and clinically interpret cytopathology slides of pathological conditions, which replicates the tasks performed in a real-world diagnostic pathology laboratory. 

In this exam you will assess designated regions of 40 cytopathology slides and answer questions relating to the diagnosis of each case.

Threshold Assessment:

Due to the applied clinical laboratory nature of LQB683 and for you to meet the requirements of course accreditation, threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A minimum of 50% in both theory and combined practical assessment tasks is required to successfully complete this unit. If you fail either the practical or theory assessment components, and have meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks, and have obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this, you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However, if you do not pass this additional assessment, you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment

Assessment: Examination (written)

This examination assesses your ability to apply diagnostic criteria in a variety of clinical settings, to frame appropriate differential diagnoses and ensure the quality of cytodiagnosis.

Threshold Assessment:

Due to the applied clinical laboratory nature of LQB683 and for you to meet the requirements of course accreditation, threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A minimum of 50% in both theory and combined practical assessment tasks is required to successfully complete this unit. If you fail either the practical or theory assessment components, and have meaningfully attempted all assessment tasks, and have obtained a result of 45-49% for the failed section, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this, you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However, if you do not pass this additional assessment, you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Cost of obtaining lab gown and safety glasses is the responsibility of the student.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Keebler, C., & Reagan, J. (1985). Manual of Cytotechnology (6th ed.). ASCP Press.

There is no prescribed text, however these are available in the library.

DeMay, R. (1996). Art and Science of Cytopathology. ASCP Press.

Safety and protective equipment

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

1. Discipline Knowledge
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Practical Exam weeks 1-7, Examination (practical), Examination (written)
2. Professional (including OHS and QA) Knowledge
   Relates to: ULO4, Examination (practical), Examination (written)
3. Ethical knowledge
   Relates to: ULO4
4. Technical proficiency
   Relates to: ULO1, Practical Exam weeks 1-7
5. Interpretation and application of protocols
   Relates to: Practical Exam weeks 1-7, Examination (practical), Examination (written)
6. Analysis and interpretation of data
   Relates to: ULO3, Practical Exam weeks 1-7, Examination (practical), Examination (written)
7. Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
   Relates to: Practical Exam weeks 1-7, Examination (practical), Examination (written)
8. Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
   Relates to: Examination (practical)
9. Quality assurance
   Relates to: Practical Exam weeks 1-7, Examination (written)
10. Professional behaviours
    Relates to: ULO4