Ongoing Challenges in Maintaining the Diagnostic Quality of Cervical Cytopathology: Is It Possible to Minimize...

The efficiency of the cytological test largely depends on the control and quality assurance of laboratory procedures, to avoid false results. The objectives of this descriptive review were to point out and discuss the main mechanisms for controlling and ensuring the quality of cytological diagnosis.

A critical revision was performed to identify the principal challenges involved in the processes of all the main issues related to the morphological alterations that characterize a true-related lesion in the daily routine of the Pap test examination. Principles of QC and QA are already being implemented worldwide, and the positive aspects and limitations of these are discussed as well as proposing alternatives when pertinent. Most of the articles evaluated highlighted the necessity of implementing audit mechanisms to control the performance of the professionals involved with the cytology evaluation.

Promising data from the new image-based technological arsenal appear to be a remarkable tool for improving cytological evaluation, reducing errors of interpretation and serving as a powerful arm for cytology teaching.