Cytopathology

The RCPAQAP Cytopathology discipline offers external quality assurance programs that encompass both gynaecological and non-gynaecological Cytopathology practice. Laboratories may enrol in any or all of the programs.

Gynaecological programs consist of glass slide surveys of conventional or liquid based cervical smears representing a wide range of diagnoses. Diagnoses may include normal findings, pathogens and neoplasia, both squamous and glandular. All high-grade abnormalities are histologically confirmed. Participants have the option of enrolling in any or all of the conventional, ThinPrep and SurePath gynaecological programs.

Non-Gynaecological programs consist of virtual images provided via Sectra hyperlinks and optional USB devices if purchased. Both the General and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytopathology programs consist of specimens from a range of body sites. All cases have appropriate clinical and histological follow-up. When appropriate, cases consist of two preparations stained by Papanicolaou and Romanowsky methods. Immunohistochemistry images may also be included.

Technical exercises are selected to assess common or critical features demonstrated by routine methods in the laboratory. Questionnaires on laboratory practice may also be issued.

Performance Measures – for Australian laboratories only provide an inter-laboratory comparison over a set of measures based on key quantitative data. Retrospective data is collected twice per year covering reporting profiles, such as the proportion of smears reported as unsatisfactory and abnormal, and the results of slide reviews and histological follow-up. An annual report (issued in two parts) summarises individual laboratory data in comparison with the group (national) data and recommended standards.