CT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In pleural effusion cytology, which stain is used to distinguish mucin-secreting adenocarcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells? → Mucicarmine or Alcian blue (pH 2.5)
2. Which cytomorphologic feature in a pancreatic FNA best distinguishes adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis? → Drunken honeycomb pattern with nuclear enlargement, irregular spacing, and anisonucleosis
3. How should professionals apply continuing education requirements in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
4. What quality assurance measure supports applied methods and techniques? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
5. How should challenges in continuing education requirements be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
6. What is the primary purpose of quality control in a cytology laboratory? → To monitor the accuracy and reliability of lab results.
7. How should professionals apply assessment and evaluation in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
8. Creola bodies found in respiratory cytology specimens are clusters of ciliated bronchial epithelial cells most associated with which condition? → Asthma
9. What is the advantage of liquid-based cytology over conventional smear techniques? → Cleaner background with better cell preservation
10. Psammoma bodies identified in a serous pleural or peritoneal effusion are most characteristically associated with which malignancy? → Metastatic papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary
11. Which preparation type is best for evaluating a fine needle aspiration (FNA) sample for cellular detail? → Direct smear
12. How should professionals apply professional standards and ethics in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
13. A sputum specimen shows elongated, anucleate squamous cells with dense orange cytoplasm on Pap stain. What is the most likely interpretation? → Anucleate squames (oral contamination)
14. How should challenges in assessment and evaluation be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
15. What is the foundational principle of industry best practices in the Certified Cytotechnologist field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
16. Which cytomorphologic feature is MOST characteristic of small cell carcinoma in bronchial brushing specimens? → Nuclear molding and salt-and-pepper chromatin
17. In breast FNA cytology, which finding is associated with a fibroadenoma rather than carcinoma? → Tightly cohesive staghorn clusters ('antler' pattern) with bare nuclei in background
18. What quality assurance measure supports continuing education requirements? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
19. Which fixative is most commonly used for preparing Pap smears? → 95% Ethanol
20. How should challenges in industry best practices be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
21. Which stain is typically used for non-gynecological cytology specimens like fine needle aspirations (FNAs)? → Diff-Quik
22. What is the foundational principle of communication and documentation in the Certified Cytotechnologist field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
23. Which pattern of chromatin distribution is most characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma cells compared to HSIL on cervicovaginal cytology? → Opaque, smudged, or irregularly clumped chromatin with parachromatin clearing
24. Which liquid-based cytology preparation method uses a density gradient centrifugation technique that results in a thin monolayer deposit? → SurePath (BD)
25. What ethical standard governs continuing education requirements practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
26. Which immunohistochemical marker panel BEST confirms mesothelioma versus metastatic adenocarcinoma in an effusion cell block? → Calretinin/WT-1 positive; CEA/BerEP4 negative
27. Which approach improves patient understanding of pre-test instructions? → Use clear, simple language and check for understanding
28. In the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, which category carries the highest risk of malignancy and typically warrants surgical resection? → Category VI: Malignant
29. What quality assurance measure supports assessment and evaluation? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
30. How should professionals apply applied methods and techniques in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work