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= International Academy of Cytology = The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) is a scientific global NGO for cytopathologists and cytologists. The IAC advances cytopathology and cytology and plays an important role in promoting research, education and collaboration within the field. The IAC is the biggest international umbrella association working together with over 50 national cytology associations, e.g. the American Society of Cytopathology. Collaborating together with the WHO, especially the IARC the IAC is crucial for the definition of international nomenclature of tumors. The IAC's headquarters are based in Edegem, Belgium.

Founded in 1957 in Brussels by its first president Hans-Klaus Zinser, the current president is Professor Fernando Schmitt, Professor of Pathology at the Medical Faculty of University of Porto, Senior Researcher and Head of Molecular Pathology Unit at IPATIMUP, Director of RISE (Clinical and Transnational Research Network of the Medical Faculty). .

The IAC issues one of the most cited cytology journals Acta Cytologica (impact factor 1.8) at the publishing house Karger.

Content

 * Standardization of Cancer Tumour Nomenclature
 * Goals of the IAC
 * Membership
 * IAC examinations
 * Weblinks
 * References

Standardization of Cancer Tumour Nomenclature
Cytopathology and cytology play a key role in the international standardization of cancer tumour nomenclature. To date, the IAC, together with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the WHO, has published two textbooks, with more expected to follow in 2024:


 * 1) WHO Reporting System for Lung Cytopathology, IAC-IARC-WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems, 1st Edition, Volume 1
 * 2) WHO Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology, IAC-IARC-WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems, 1st Edition, Volume 2

Goals

 * Creating an international network of cytopathologists/cytotechnicians contributing to establishing an international nomenclature of tumors together with the WHO.
 * Promoting research by publishing one of the leading journals of cytopathology Acta Cytologica
 * Providing education: The IAC hosts international congresses and tutorials and provides constant training on the latest developments in cytology via exams and webinars.

Membership
The Academy currently has five membership categories. Membership requires a medical degree, other criteria are required :


 * Medical membership (MIAC)


 * Medical fellowship (FIAC)


 * Jr. Medical Membership

Membership for medical scientists, criteria apply:


 * Cytotechnologist member (CMIAC)


 * Cytotechnologist fellow (CFIAC)


 * Professional Non-Medical Member (PMIAC)

IAC examinations
The International Academy of Cytology offers two voluntary examinations. Both examinations are a test of personal knowledge and experience requiring cytological diagnostic skills of all major body sites.


 * IAC Comprehensive Cytotechnology Registry examination (CT(IAC))

Since 1971 the International Academy of Cytology has developed, adapted and administered examinations for cytotechnologists around the world. Cytotechnologists from over 65 countries have taken the examination. As of January 2024, more than 13,000 cytotechnologists have successfully passed the IAC Comprehensive Cytotechnology Registry Examination obtaining the title CT(IAC).

A CT(IAC) maintains this status with a four yearly renewal process achieving a sticker indicating the years of activity and further education in their field.


 * IAC International Board of Cytopathology examination (reserved for medical members of at least two years membership.)

The first examination was held at The Center for Continuing Education, University of Chicago, U.S.A. on May 20th1978 and has been held globally several times a years since. During the following years over 840 (Jan. 2024) successful examination registrants have passed the examination and for the duration of their membership were elevated to the status of Fellow (FIAC).

The examinations have gone digital. For all interested in taking an exam, the IAC provides a mock exam.

Weblinks

 * The official website of the IAC
 * WHO-IARC-IAC cytopathology books
 * Acta Cytologica