EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT
The challenges of creating an EQA scheme for digital pathology
UK NEQAS CPT currently has an EQA scheme for digital pathology in a pre-pilot phase. Here, Scheme Manager Lorren Mitchell details the research and planning required to ensure it will be suitable and effective for this evolving field.
UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique (CPT), global leader and esteemed front-runner in Cellular Pathology External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Proficiency Testing (PT), excels in providing a comprehensive range of schemes, education and guidance on
key laboratory processes for continuous improvement – assuring cellular pathology diagnostics. UK NEQAS CPT encompass a first-class, secure and established service to provide international laboratory and personnel monitoring, expertise, and support for
clinical and non-clinical laboratories in the UK and across the globe. In the realm of modern cellular pathology, the digitisation of glass slides stands as a beacon of innovation. Digital pathology enhances efficiency, accuracy and collaboration among healthcare professionals. To maintain laboratory accreditation to ISO 15189:2022 laboratories must participate in EQA, proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparison for all tests provided by a laboratory, including the use of digital pathology. At present there is no EQA scheme appropriate for digital pathology. However, after extensive research and meticulous planning to ensure its effectiveness and suitability for the evolving field of digital pathology, UK NEQAS CPT currently has a Digital Pathology EQA scheme in its pre-pilot phase.
Drivers for a DP EQA scheme The implementation of a digital pathology EQA scheme is driven by a convergence of technological advancements, clinical needs, and regulatory imperatives.
Participants in the new digital pathology scheme will have access to cellular pathology scientists all working together to develop, innovate, and transform expertise and quality across continents.
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM JUNE 2024
n Ensuring diagnostic accuracy and quality assurance EQA schemes provide a means of external validation and quality assurance and a Digital Pathology EQA scheme, where interpretation relies on digital images rather than physical slides, will contribute to consistent and accurate diagnoses across different laboratories and pathologists, facilitative remote consultations and second opinions. The EQA scheme will promote standardisation and improve the overall quality of the images used for diagnostic purposes by
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