{"title":"External Quality Assessment in Diagnostic Cytopathology: Current Programs, Challenges, and Perspectives.","authors":"Irena Srebotnik Kirbis, Margareta Strojan Flezar","doi":"10.1159/000546537","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>External quality assessment (EQA), including Proficiency testing (PT), is a fundamental aspect of laboratory quality management and a key requirement for diagnostic laboratory accreditation.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This review highlights significant gaps in comprehensive EQA/PT programs for diagnostic non-gynecological cytopathology that fully address all aspects of the diagnostic process, particularly in Europe.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>Current EQA/PT programs for diagnostic cytopathology are mostly regional, national, and only partially cover the examination process. The unique challenges of diagnostic cytopathology, including small and limited patient samples, non-standardized laboratory procedures, biomarker testing tailored to specific cytology samples, and the qualitative subjective nature of cytopathologic reporting, necessitate adapted approaches for effective and meaningful EQA.</p>","PeriodicalId":6959,"journal":{"name":"Acta Cytologica","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Acta Cytologica","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546537","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"PATHOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: External quality assessment (EQA), including Proficiency testing (PT), is a fundamental aspect of laboratory quality management and a key requirement for diagnostic laboratory accreditation.
Summary: This review highlights significant gaps in comprehensive EQA/PT programs for diagnostic non-gynecological cytopathology that fully address all aspects of the diagnostic process, particularly in Europe.
Key messages: Current EQA/PT programs for diagnostic cytopathology are mostly regional, national, and only partially cover the examination process. The unique challenges of diagnostic cytopathology, including small and limited patient samples, non-standardized laboratory procedures, biomarker testing tailored to specific cytology samples, and the qualitative subjective nature of cytopathologic reporting, necessitate adapted approaches for effective and meaningful EQA.
期刊介绍：
With articles offering an excellent balance between clinical cytology and cytopathology, ''Acta Cytologica'' fosters the understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms behind cytomorphology and thus facilitates the translation of frontline research into clinical practice. As the official journal of the International Academy of Cytology and affiliated to over 50 national cytology societies around the world, ''Acta Cytologica'' evaluates new and existing diagnostic applications of scientific advances as well as their clinical correlations. Original papers, review articles, meta-analyses, novel insights from clinical practice, and letters to the editor cover topics from diagnostic cytopathology, gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytopathology to fine needle aspiration, molecular techniques and their diagnostic applications. As the perfect reference for practical use, ''Acta Cytologica'' addresses a multidisciplinary audience practicing clinical cytopathology, cell biology, oncology, interventional radiology, otorhinolaryngology, gastroenterology, urology, pulmonology and preventive medicine.
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