Musculoskeletal symptoms among cytotechnologists

Abstract

We measured the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among cytotechnologists in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area. We surveyed cytotechnologists to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, upper-back, elbow/forearm, hand/wrist, and lower-back symptoms in the prior year. Eighty- two (69%) of 125 cytotechnologists returned questionnaires, of which 95% were working as cytotechnologists. The prevalences of neck (61.5%), hand/wrist (56.4%), and lower-back (42.3%) symptoms were highest. Laboratory workers routinely involved in microscope-related work may be at risk for cumulative trauma disorders. We concluded that an ergonomic approach to this problem can help prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.