[Histonet] CAP and proficiency testing

[lpwenk <@t> sbcglobal.net]

Hmm -

I thought Proficiency assessment had to be through an OUTSIDE agency, such
as CAP or a CAP-alternate approved provider, which assesses how the LAB did.

Isn't an INTERNAL evaluation actually a competency assessment, assessing how
each PERSON does?

As for the general requirements for a proficiency assessment, go to the CAP
web page, to the checklists, and click on Laboratory General, Dec. 2004.

http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/laboratory_accreditation/checklists/checklistft
p.html

For more information, including Frequently Asked Questions, go to the CAP
page

http://www.cap.org/apps/cap.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=proficiency_testing
_page

As far as I know, HistoQIP is the only CAP accepted proficiency assessment
for histotechs.

http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/proficiency_testing/histoqip.html

Over 500 labs in the US participate, and twice a year they have to submit
slides of  H&E/special stains/IHC to be assessed on fixation, processing,
embedding, sectioning, staining and coverslipping. Each cycle it is
different tissues (gathered from recent surgical cases or controls) and
different stains. These slides are assessed by a panel of  histotechs and
pathologists. Each lab gets a report of how they did, and how they compare
with the rest of the participating labs. Along with the report is an
explanation of the stains just assessed (how they work, common errors) along
with Kodachromes (new - they will be color plates instead of 35 mm slides).
And I understand that there will be multiple test questions in the future,
so these reports can be used by the lab for training and competency
assessment.

No, I'm not on the panel, but I think HistoQIP is a great idea. CAP and NSH
have worked together on this. Our lab participates, and I personally
recommend it for every histology lab.

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073


----- Original Message -----
From: "Angela Bitting" <akbitting <@t> geisinger.edu>
To: <pathrm35 <@t> adelphia.net>; <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 11:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Histonet] CAP and proficiency testing


> Our proficiency testing is very simple. We named six general functions
> and gave an excellent, good or poor rating. Method was direct
> observation. The tester and techs signed and dated it. Repeat it
> annually.
>
> Angela Bitting, HT(ASCP)
> Technical Specialist, Histology
> Geisinger Medical Center
> 100 N Academy Ave. MC 23-00
> Danville, PA 17822
> phone  570-214-9634
> fax  570-271-5916
>
> >>> <pathrm35 <@t> adelphia.net> 02/15/05 10:45AM >>>
> Does anyone know what the requirements are for proficiency testing for
> CAP accredited private histology laboratories?
> Thanks,
> Ron Martin
>
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