Organizational aspects in an anatomical pathology quality assurance programme.

INTRODUCTION METHODS Since 1968 The Royal College of The following methods were adopted 1 : P Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) has been Diagnostic Skills of Pathologists were tested conducting ist to pathology Surveys with the by exmining reports returned by pathologists intention of testing the diagnostic ability of after processing the tissue or examining the surgical pathologists in Australia and New slide submitted. These reports were assessed Zealand. in the light of the opinions from a consulUntil 1980 these SurveySWere conducted On tative panel of 6 experts provided prior t~ a once-a-year basis and confined to a simple the test slides being sent to the individual diagnosis. The organizer, who was appointed participant laboratories. for 4 years. presented the results at the Annual ~ e e t i & of'the College, together with a printed booklet of the findings and diagnosis. A more formal approach to quality assurance in anatomical pathology was adopted in 1980, together with the other disciplines of clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, immunology, haematology and blood bank serology. A chairman was appointed for 3 years and there-