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.
The Cytopathology Programs Safety Data Sheet (SDS) can be accessed here.
Gynaecological Conventional
Proficiency testing for laboratories, cytologists and pathologists reporting cervical cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees. Conventional cervical smears (GYN)
Catalogue Number
16010106Frequency (No of surveys/year)
4Cases/samples per survey
5Sample Type
Glass slides are provided requiring return at the end of each surveySchedule
February, May, July, SeptemberProduct details last updated on August 19, 2020
Gynaecological Liquid based SurePath
Proficiency testing for laboratories, cytologists and pathologists reporting cervical cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees. SurePath liquid based cervical smears.
Catalogue Number
16020106Frequency (No of surveys/year)
4Cases/samples per survey
5Sample Type
Glass slides are provided requiring return at the end of each surveySchedule
February, May, July, SeptemberProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
Gynaecological Liquid based ThinPrep
Proficiency testing for laboratories, cytologists and pathologists reporting cervical cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees. ThinPrep liquid based cervical smears.
Catalogue Number
16030106Frequency (No of surveys/year)
4Cases/samples per survey
5Sample Type
Glass slides are provided requiring return at the end of each surveySchedule
February, May, July, SeptemberProduct details last updated on August 20, 2020
Non-gynaecological Fine Needle Aspiration
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting fine needle aspiration biopsy non-gynaecological cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Catalogue Number
16040102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
2Cases/samples per survey
4Sample Type
Stained preparations are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
May, SeptemberProduct details last updated on August 19, 2020
Non-gynaecological General
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting general exfoliative non-gynaecological cytopathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Catalogue Number
16050102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
2Cases/samples per survey
4Sample Type
Stained preparations are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
February, JulyProduct details last updated on August 19, 2020
Non-gynaecological Specialty
Proficiency testing for laboratories and pathologists reporting breast pathology. Educational resource for other laboratories and trainees.
Catalogue Number
16060102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
4Sample Type
Stained preparations are provided as virtual microscope slide images in the myQAP portal. USBs can be purchased separately.Schedule
JulyAdditional Comments
One specialty module will be showcased each year. In 2021, this specialty will consist of four breast cases.
Product details last updated on September 8, 2020
Performance Measures
For Australian laboratories only. Collection of National Cervical Screening Program data as per NPAAC requirements.
Catalogue Number
16070102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
2Schedule
February, OctoberProduct details last updated on July 31, 2020
Technical
Proficiency testing for laboratories performing general cytopathology processes. In 2021, the Technical Program will consist of a Urine processing exercise. A corresponding questionnaire will also be issued.
Catalogue Number
16080102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
1Sample Type
Blood-stained urine.Schedule
FebruaryStorage and Handling
Refrigerate on arrivalProduct details last updated on August 19, 2020