Leaders Is the proficiency test in cervical cytology proficient? It is accepted that internal quality control and external quality assurance are necessary elements in ensuring high standards in the reporting of cervical smears. A major component of external quality assurance in the United Kingdom in recent years has been the proficiency test in cervical cytology. Participation in regional profi...

Microbiology laboratories in Alberta, Canada, were surveyed to determine the quantitative interpretive criteria used to routinely read and report Gram stains. There was a wide variability in the quantitative reporting criteria cited for both cells and bacteria, with only 11 of 32 (34.4%) laboratories surveyed using the criteria recommended by the external proficiency-testing program. Lack of st...