The program in Cytopathology encompasses both Gynaecological and non-Gynaecological Cytopathology practice. Glass slide surveys, staining exercises and questionnaires on laboratory practice are included. Laboratories may enrol in any or all of the following modules: Conventional Gynaecological, LBC Gynaecological, General non-Gynaecological, and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA). Australian laboratories reporting cervical cytology must also enrol in the Performance Measures module. Organisation Slide surveys are carried out four times per year as outlined on the QAP calendar issued with the yellow folder sent to enrolling laboratories. All slide modules will be issued at the same time. Fax Option Laboratories are offered the option of faxing their completed answer sheets to the QAP office while they still have the slides in their possession. The office will then return-fax laboratories a summary of expected responses for their slide set. Laboratories are therefore able to review their performance prior to returning the slide sets. Should the mailed and faxed responses differ, the faxed result will be regarded as the laboratory result. Return of Results and Slides Laboratories are required to return results within 5 days of receipt but may keep the slides for a further 5 days to enable review and discussion by all staff. If the routine reporting Cytopathologist is on leave, the locum should report on the QAP material. Prompt return of survey slides is essential. A Certificate of Participation at the end of the year will note compliance with this requirement. Gynaecological Modules The Gynaecological Cytopathology module consists of glass slide surveys of conventional or LBC cervical smears representing a wide range of diagnoses. These include normal findings, pathogens, reactive processes, and neoplasia, both squamous and glandular. Both modules (conventional and LBC) will consist of 4 surveys of 5 slides each. Detailed analysis of laboratory performance is available at the completion of the survey cycle. Performance Measures Performance Measures for Australian laboratories reporting Cervical Cytology provides an inter-laboratory comparison over a set of measures based on key quantitative data. Retrospective data is collected twice per year covering reporting profiles, such as the proportion of smears reported as unsatisfactory and abnormal, and the results of slide reviews and histological follow-up. An annual report (in two parts) summarises individual laboratory data in comparison with the group (national) data and recommended standards. See separate section on Performance Measures. Non-Gynaecological Modules General Cytopathology and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytopathology slide surveys cover respiratory, body fluid and fine needle aspiration from a range of body sites. As with the gynaecological slide surveys, participants may submit their diagnoses by fax to receive a brief summary of the expected diagnoses prior to returning the cases to the QAP. Survey results are issued with the subsequent survey and are accompanied by detailed case descriptions and discussions including consideration of differential diagnoses and relevant references. Information sheets with colour reproductions of the cytological and histological presentations of survey cases are also included. Inter-laboratory comparison is also provided in the Program Annual Report. Other Surveys A customer satisfaction survey is issued to participants every two years to monitor the suitability and effectiveness of the program. Questions relating to laboratory practice, diagnosis and reporting may be included allowing participants to compare their current practice with that of other laboratories.