Anatomical Pathology
The RCPAQAP Anatomical Pathology discipline offers programs in the areas of diagnostic and technical proficiency of histopathology laboratories.
Diagnostic survey cases are selected to demonstrate either classical histological features of a disease process, common disease processes observed in routine pathology laboratories or critical disease processes of educational value to participants.
Technical survey cases are selected on similar criteria of classical, common or critical features to be demonstrated by routine methods in the laboratory.
The diagnostic proficiency programs offer enrolments for laboratories, individual pathologists and trainees. Laboratories requiring participation in a technical external proficiency testing program for Australian accreditation may enrol in the technical and immunohistochemistry programs. Each program has an Advisory Committee which is overseen by a convening pathologist.
The Anatomical Pathology Programs Safety Data Sheet (SDS) can be accessed here.
ALK Translocation for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)
Proficiency testing for laboratories staining ALK immunohistochemistry. Proficiency testing for laboratories interpreting ALK translocation.
Catalogue Number
13020102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
1Sample Type
Unstained formalin fixed paraffin sections comprising of composite tissue block to be stained/processed/interpreted for ALK.Schedule
FebruaryMeasurand/Test
ALK IHC, ALK FISH, ALK MolecularStorage and Handling
Room temperatureAdditional Comments
Formally part of the RCPAQAP Molecular Genetics Discipline, the ‘ALK Translocation for NSCLC’ program has been combined with the RCPAQAP Anatomical Pathology ‘Immunohistochemistry for Lung Markers’ program. This program now consists of the following selectable modules: Immunohistochemistry ALK staining for technical and interpretation proficiency; ALK FISH interpretation proficiency and ALK Molecular techniques interpretation proficiency, Participants select the module/s appropriat
Product details last updated on July 31, 2020
Breast Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting breast pathology. Educational resource for other laboratories/trainees.
Catalogue Number
13040102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
MarchMeasurand/Test
Breast HistopathologyProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
Dermatopathology Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting dermatopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories/trainees.
Catalogue Number
13050102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
MarchMeasurand/Test
Skin HistopathologyProduct details last updated on July 31, 2020
Electron Microscopy Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting transmission electron microscopy. Educational resource for other laboratories/trainees.
Catalogue Number
13060102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
3 (educational case may be included)Sample Type
Electron micrographs are available in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
SeptemberMeasurand/Test
Transmission Electron MicroscopyAdditional Comments
EM diagnostic and technical modules continue to be separate enrolments in 2021
Product details last updated on August 19, 2020
Electron Microscopy Technical
Proficiency testing for laboratories processing transmission electron microscopy specimens.
Catalogue Number
13070102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
2Sample Type
Lab practice and artefact identification survey. Submission of Electron Micrographs prepared by the laboratorySchedule
SeptemberMeasurand/Test
Transmission Electron Microscopy techniquesAdditional Comments
EM diagnostic and technical modules continue to be separate enrolments in 2021
Product details last updated on July 31, 2020
Fluorescence in-situ Hybridisation (FISH) Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories reporting fluorescence in-situ hybridisation. A different probe to be tested each year (MYC in 2021).
Catalogue Number
13310101Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
1Sample Type
Unstained formalin fixed paraffin sections to be stained and interpreted for MYC FISH probe. Virtual H&E and MYC immunohistochemistry will also be available to assist with interpretation.separately.Schedule
AprilMeasurand/Test
MYC, FISHAdditional Comments
This program is under development and currently not covered under the scope of accreditation by NATA.
Product details last updated on September 23, 2020
Forensic Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting forensic pathology. Educational resource for other laboratories/trainees.
Catalogue Number
13080102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
MarchMeasurand/Test
Forensic PathologyProduct details last updated on July 31, 2020
Gastrointestinal Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting gastrointestinal pathology. Educational resource for other laboratories/trainees.
Catalogue Number
13090102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
JulyMeasurand/Test
Gastrointestinal HistopathologyProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
General Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting routine Anatomical Pathology. Educational resource for trainees.
Catalogue Number
13100102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
3Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
February, May, SeptemberMeasurand/Test
General HistopathologyProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
Gynaecology Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting gynaecological pathology. Educational resource for other laboratories/trainees.
Catalogue Number
13110102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
AprilMeasurand/Test
Gynaecological PathologyProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
Haematopathology Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting haematopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Catalogue Number
13290102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
JuneMeasurand/Test
Haematopathology HistopathologyProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
Head and Neck Diagnostic
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting head and neck pathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Catalogue Number
13300102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
JuneMeasurand/Test
Head and Neck HistopathologyProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
