Quality assurance and proficiency testing in molecular oncology

The College of American Pathologists has recently initiated a Resource Committee on Molecular Pathology to (1) develop appropriate practice guidelines for molecular pathology; and (2) ensure the monitoring of emerging and future changes in the discipline of cellular pathology, including evolving applications of new technical modalities and practice. A laboratory accreditation checklist has been written and will become available to clinical laboratories. A proficiency survey of samples which will test for T-cell and B-cell gene rearrangement and oncogene detection and amplification is planned for 1992.