Cytopathology in focus: Gynecologic cytology PT appeals: where they started,where they stand

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The results of this monitoring show that the quality of slides used in the CAP cytology proficiency testing program is high. The requirement for field validation prior to use of a slide in the PT program sets has contributed to having slides that participants view as fair. The total number of slides used in the Pap PT program is lower now than when the program began, and the number of participants in the program has also declined. Many laboratories have seen a drop in the number of gynecologic cytology case accessions because of changes in cervical cytology screening guidelines that include less frequent testing and the addition of human papillomavirus testing to screening protocols. Some of the pathologists who signed out cervical cytology cases in the past no longer do so because they do not see a sufficient volume of cases or had problems passing PT in the past.

Members of the CAP Cytopathology Committee are pleased with the significant reduction in the participant appeals and will continue to monitor this aspect of the Pap PT program.

1. Crothers BA, Moriarty AT, Fatheree LA, Booth CN, Tench WD, Wilbur DC. Appeals in gynecologic cytology proficiency testing: review and analysis of data from the 2006 College of American Pathologists Gynecologic Cytology Proficiency Testing Program. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2009;133(1):44–48.

Dr. Davey is a professor of pathology and associate dean of graduate medical education, University of Central Florida. She is a former member of the CAP Cytopathology Committee. Kelly Goodrich is a senior cytology technical specialist and Rhona Souers is a senior biostatistician—both at the College of American Pathologists, Northfield, Ill. Dr. Booth is co-section head of cytopathology, Cleveland Clinic. She is chair of the CAP Cytopathology Committee.