Cytopathology
Cytopathology is the branch of pathology that deals with the cellular diagnosis of disease. The RCPAQAP Cytopathology discipline offers gynaecological (Conventional, ThinPrep and SurePath) and non-gynaecological (General and Fine Needle Aspiration) diagnostic proficiency testing programs for cytopathologists and cytologists and a technical proficiency testing program for cytology laboratories.
Gynaecological Cytopathology
Proficiency testing for laboratories, cytologists and pathologists reporting cervical cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees. Three modules are offered within this program.
Glass slides are provided requiring return at the end of each survey:
Five conventional cervical smears per survey (GYN)
Five liquid-based cervical smears per survey (THP)
Five liquid-based cervical smears per survey (SUP)
Frequency / Number of samples
4 surveys / 5 cases per survey
Tests
Conventional gynaecological (GYN), Liquid-based ThinPrep gynaecological (THP), Liquid-based SurePath gynaecological (SUP)
Product details last updated on July 29, 2019
Non-gynaecological Cytopathology – FNA
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting non-gynaecological cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Stained preparations are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.
Four non-gynaecological FNA virtual cases per survey (FNA)
Frequency / Number of samples
2 surveys / 4 cases per survey
Tests
Non-gynaecological – Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Product details last updated on July 31, 2019
Non-gynaecological Cytopathology – General
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting non-gynaecological cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Stained preparations are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.
Four non-gynaecological general virtual cases per survey (GEN)
Frequency / Number of samples
2 surveys / 4 cases per survey
Tests
Non-gynaecological General
Product details last updated on July 29, 2019
Non-gynaecological Cytopathology – Specialty
One specialty will be showcased each year. In 2020, this specialty will consist of four head and neck cases.
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting head and neck cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Stained sections are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.
Frequency / Number of samples
1 survey / 4 cases per survey
Tests
Non-gynaecological cytopathology
Product details last updated on July 29, 2019
Performance Measures (AUS only)
# This program is non-accredited
For Australian laboratories only. Collection of National Cervical Screening Program data as per NPAAC requirements.
Frequency / Number of samples
2 data collections per year
Tests
Performance Measures
Product details last updated on July 29, 2019
Technical Module – Cytopathology
Proficiency testing for laboratories performing general cytopathology preparatory techniques.
In 2020, the Technical Module will consist of a Romanowsky staining exercise. Participants will be supplied with an air-dried non-gynaecological sample for staining with a Romanowsky stain of their choice. The stained slide is then submitted to the RCPAQAP for assessment. A corresponding questionnaire will also be issued.
Frequency / Number of samples
1 survey / 1 exercise per survey
Tests
Staining, technical.
Product details last updated on July 29, 2019
