Developing indicators for quality assurance in cytopathology. Catalan Society of Cytopathology

BACKGROUND Quality control in cytology must be established through reliable and easily measurable indicators. METHODS From the Catalan Society of Cytopathology a group of experts has been established to write a document with 13 indicators that cover the entire cytological process, based on its Cytopathology Quality Guide. It has been elaborated through guides and documents with scientific evidence and DELPHI methodology in order to reach a structured consensus on the opinions of a group of experts. RESULTS Thirteen indicators, covering all the cytologic process are expressed in worksheets specifying all their characteristics. CONCLUSION This document allows the control of all stages of the cytological process.