The Yorkshire slide exchange external quality assessment (EQA) scheme

Area of Science:

• Cytopathology
• Public Health
• Medical Laboratory Science

Background:

• Cervical screening programs rely on accurate cytological analysis.
• External quality assessment (EQA) is crucial for maintaining high standards in cervical cytology.
• Existing proficiency testing schemes may have limitations in participation or data generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a slide circulation scheme for cervical cytology external quality assessment (EQA).
• To compare the slide circulation scheme with the National Proficiency Testing (NPT) scheme.
• To assess the feasibility, participation, and educational value of the slide circulation scheme.

Main Methods:

• A slide circulation scheme was implemented across 15 laboratories in the Yorkshire Regional Health Authority.
• Performance of individual cytologists was measured using circulating slides.
• The scheme's outcomes were compared against the established National Proficiency Testing (NPT) scheme.

Main Results:

• The slide circulation scheme demonstrated successful application in cervical cytology EQA.
• Participation levels in the slide circulation scheme exceeded those of regional NPT variations.
• Laboratory consensus for slide selection was found to be as valid as expert panel selection.
• The scheme generated significantly more data per round and offered high educational value.

Conclusions:

• Slide circulation schemes are a viable option for cervical cytology EQA, offering improved participation and data volume.
• Despite advantages, the scheme's time-consuming and expensive nature, coupled with risks of unfair practices, posed significant drawbacks.
• Yorkshire ultimately transitioned back to the National Proficiency Testing (NPT) scheme due to these identified challenges.