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. The Specialty program focuses on a specified sample type on a rotating basis each year.
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.
Cervical Screening Program Indicators – 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.
Are you outside Australia?
Find your local distributorCervical Screening Program Indicators
Formerly known as the 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
March, OctoberProduct details last updated on July 29, 2024
Cervical Screening Test Reporting
Australian laboratories only. This testing was previously incorporated in the liquid based gynaecological programs but has been separated into a separate program in 2026. It assesses the ability of a laboratory to apply the cervical screening reporting summary line.
Catalogue Number
16110102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
10Sample Type
Online National Cervical Screening Program reporting challenges.Schedule
FebruaryProduct details last updated on September 8, 2025
Gynaecological Conventional
Provide ongoing diagnostic learning and proficiency testing in conventional cervical smear cytopathology to laboratories, cytologists and pathologists. Participants can assess their diagnostic skills and compare performance with that of their peers with the purpose of performance improvement. Case selections include a variety of normal, infectious and neoplastic entities.
Catalogue Number
16010105Frequency (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, SeptemberAdditional Comments
Learning objective: Upon completion of this activity, participants will have an enhanced understanding of cervical cytopathology and will be able to identify gaps in their diagnostic skills.
The planners and others involved in control of content for this program have declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Product details last updated on August 22, 2025
Gynaecological Liquid based SurePath
Provide ongoing diagnostic learning and proficiency testing in SurePath liquid based cervical cytopathology to laboratories, cytologists and pathologists. Participants can assess their diagnostic skills and compare performance with that of their peers with the purpose of performance improvement. Case selections include a variety of normal, infectious and neoplastic entities.
Catalogue Number
16020105Frequency (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, SeptemberAdditional Comments
Learning objective: Upon completion of this activity, participants will have an enhanced understanding of cervical cytopathology and will be able to identify gaps in their diagnostic skills.
The planners and others involved in control of content for this program have declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Product details last updated on August 22, 2025
Gynaecological Liquid based ThinPrep
Provide ongoing diagnostic learning and proficiency testing in ThinPrep liquid based cervical cytopathology to laboratories, cytologists and pathologists. Participants can assess their diagnostic skills and compare performance with that of their peers with the purpose of performance improvement. Case selections include a variety of normal, infectious and neoplastic entities.
Catalogue Number
16030105Frequency (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, SeptemberAdditional Comments
Learning objective: Upon completion of this activity, participants will have an enhanced understanding of cervical cytopathology and will be able to identify gaps in their diagnostic skills.
The planners and others involved in control of content for this program have declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Product details last updated on August 22, 2025
Non-gynaecological Fine Needle Aspiration
Provide ongoing diagnostic learning and proficiency testing in Fine Needle Aspiration cytopathology to laboratories, cytologists and pathologists. Participants can assess their diagnostic skills and compare performance with that of their peers with the purpose of performance improvement. Case selections include a variety of normal, infectious and neoplastic entities.
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, SeptemberAdditional Comments
Learning objective: Upon completion of this activity, participants will receive a comprehensive case discussion and peer analysis, enabling an enhanced understanding of Fine Needle Aspiration cytopathology and identification of gaps in their diagnostic skills.
The planners and others involved in control of content for this program have declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Product details last updated on August 22, 2025
Non-gynaecological General
Provide ongoing diagnostic learning and proficiency testing in exfoliative non-gynaecological cytopathology to laboratories, cytologists and pathologists. Participants can assess their diagnostic skills and compare performance with that of their peers with the purpose of performance improvement. Case selections include a variety of normal, infectious and neoplastic entities.
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, JulyAdditional Comments
Learning objective: Upon completion of this activity, participants will receive a comprehensive case discussion and peer analysis, enabling an enhanced understanding of exfoliative non-gynaecological cytopathology and identification of gaps in their diagnostic skills.
The planners and others involved in control of content for this program have declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Product details last updated on August 22, 2025
Non-gynaecological Specialty
Provide ongoing diagnostic learning and proficiency testing in urine cytopathology to laboratories, cytologists and pathologists. Participants can assess their diagnostic skills and compare performance with that of their peers with the purpose of performance improvement. Case selections include a variety of normal, infectious and neoplastic entities.
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
Learning objective: Upon completion of this activity, participants receive a comprehensive case discussion and peer analysis, enabling an enhanced understanding of urine cytopathology and identification of gaps in their diagnostic skills.
The planners and others involved in control of content for this program have declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Product details last updated on August 22, 2025
Technical
Proficiency testing for laboratories performing general cytopathology techniques. In 2026, the Technical Program will consist of a Papanicolaou staining exercise.
Catalogue Number
16080102Frequency (No of surveys/year)
1Cases/samples per survey
1Schedule
MayProduct details last updated on August 22, 2025
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