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Quality assurance/control issues. International Academy of Cytology Task Force summary. Diagnostic Cytology Towards the 21st Century: An International Expert Conference and Tutorial.

Authors :
Krieger PA
McGoogan E
Vooijs GP
Amma NS
Cochand-Priollet B
Colgan TJ
Davey DD
Geyer JW
Goodell RM
Grohs DH
Gupta SK
Jones BA
Koss LG
Mango LJ
McCallum SM
Nielsen M
Robinowitz M
Sauer T
Schumann JL
Syrjänen KJ
Suprun HZ
Topalidis T
Wertlake PT
Whittaker J
Source :
Acta cytologica [Acta Cytol] 1998 Jan-Feb; Vol. 42 (1), pp. 133-40.
Publication Year :
1998

Abstract

Issues: General definitions of quality assurance and quality control (QA/C) have existed in many forms for decades, and a new discipline guides their application to diverse industrial and recently medical processes without much fanfare. However, in the field of cervical cytology screening, the range of QA/C options has recently broadened and become controversial. With the advent of new systems of terminology, larger-scale laboratories and new technologies--plus strong governmental and legal pressures in some nations--the range of extremely difficult and sometimes expensive QA/C choices our community faces is greater than ever.<br />Consensus Position: At our conference, the basic definitions of QA/C posed little difficulty. Presentation of the range of methods in use today and of those based on new technologies where use is proposed or has just begun also was achieved with little or no dispute. However, there was lack of consensus on exactly how QA/C methods are to be assessed. Indeed, there was little consistency in the use of different outcome measures with which we can judge success or failure of specific QA/C options. In addition, the tension between pressure to adopt sometimes uncertain or expensive method enhancements and pressure to maintain affordability and the widest possible access for populations that most need cervical cytology screening is greater than ever.<br />Ongoing Issues: More data are required that would enable assessment of QA/C options with the clearest possible understanding of cost/benefits and current or new assumptions of risk. Other task forces, such as medicolegal, cost/benefit and those devoted to new technologies, are our essential partners in meeting the challenges described above.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0001-5547
Volume :
42
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Acta cytologica
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9479332
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1159/000331538