Wilford Hall becomes Air Force's cytology center

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  New technology has made it possible for the Air Force’s seven cytology centers to be consolidated into one.

Since Wilford Hall Medical Center’s cytology department is already the busiest center, performing 32 percent of all Air Force pap smears, it was recommended that the consolidation be handled by the 859th Diagnostic and Therapeutics Squadron here.

The consolidation, which will be completed by September, will also close the cytology technician Air Force specialty code, returning 39 non-warfighter positions to mobility positions.

“The introduction of liquid-based cytology technology and computer-assisted imaging technology will increase productivity by 65 to 75 percent, decrease the false-negative rate by 39 percent and reduce manpower requirements from 46 military and civilian cytotechnologists to 12,” said Lt Col. John Hickman, Clinical Lab Flight commander.

The liquid-based cytology better preserves the cells and helps to eliminate contaminates, while the PC-based imaging is fast, upgradeable, network capable and can image more than 300 slides per day. The computer also helps to alleviate the fatigue factor that can affect cytotechnologists. 

“This computer technology combines the power of computer-assisted primary screening with human expertise,” said Rosalyn Miller, the anatomic pathology manager. “We will have 12 people doing three times the amount of work. The new program will allow us to go from analyzing 75,000 tests to 215,000 annually with an increase in productivity, diagnostic screening confidence and sensitivity in the detection of precancerous lesions.”

“We are really excited about this new technology,” said Cytotechnologist Arlene Murphy. “Quality patient care is our number one priority and this technology will help us to find pre-cancerous cells more easily, reducing the false-negative rate.”

“The Air Force consolidation also makes good business sense,” Colonel Hickman said. “Combining the seven Air Force Cyto-centers into one will save the Air Force $3.2 million annually.”