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Cytologic screening

a screening for the detection of early disease, usually cancer, through microscopic examination of a cellular specimen by inspecting each cell and structure present, usually at ×100 magnification with a mechanical stage, so that all areas are screened; the findings are evaluated and significant abnormalities are flagged (e.g., by dotting the cover slip) for further evaluation by a cytopathologist. This screening is usually performed by a cytotechnologist, but at times is done by automated machine prescreening.