Hong Kong Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences Quality Assurance Programme Ltd.
Quality Assurance Programme in Anatomical Pathology
Part A - Technical Performance
Cellular Pathology Option
Section I Histopathology
| Survey materials: | Two paraffin sections which had been fixed in 10% buffered formalin. |
| Tests requested: | Perform Hematoxylin & Eosin and special staining, and return the STAINED SECTIONS & CONTROL SLIDE for assessment. |
Section II Cytopathology
| Survey materials: | A smear which had been wet fixed and stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin or Papanicolaou stain. Case history is provided. |
| Test requested: | Make diagnosis and dot the suspicious cells (if any) on the slide. |
Immunopathology Option
Evaluation of Demonstration with Provided and In-house Antibodies
| Survey materials: | Two paraffin sections and one monoclonal/polyclonal antibody. |
| Tests requested: | Stain the slides and controls with optimal diluted sera of the provided and in-house antibodies by using the participant's routine immunohistochemistry detection system. |
Annual Continuous Assessment of Laboratory Performance
| Survey materials: | One paraffin section and one monoclonal/polyclonal antibody. |
| Test requested: | Stain the slide and control with optimal diluted antibody by using the participant's routine immunohistochemistry detection system. Same demonstration will be repeated for the whole year. |
Part B - Questionnaire
A questionnaire relating to the techniques used in Part A of the survey.
Objective Criteria for Performance Evaluation of Histological and Immunohistochemical Staining
In each quarterly survey exercise, two slides of paraffin sections will be sent to participating laboratory for hematoxylin and eosin staining and also for special staining. Control slides for the special staining method should be accompanied with the returned slides. Aliquot of antibodies together with two slides of paraffin sections will be provided for immunohistochemical staining of special marker. Control slides for the immunohistochemical staining marker should be accompanied with the returned slides. Answered questionnaire sheets and stained slides have to be returned for assessment before the due date; otherwise, "Late Return" will be stated in the survey report or not marked.
Returned slides will be examined and the staining quality will be evaluated by the Anatomical Pathology Panel with reference to the staining intensity, revelation of nuclear/cytoplasmic details, contrast, consistency, tidiness and labeling.
Details for evaluating H&E staining
Nuclear staining: 0 to 3
Cytoplasmic staining: 0 to 3
Staining contrast: 0 to 2
Staining consistency: 0 to 1
Slide appearance: 0 to 1
Total mark gained varying from 0 to 10
Details for evaluating special staining
Target substance staining: 0 to 5
Counterstain: 0 to 2
Staining contrast: 0 to 2
Staining consistency: 0 to 0.5
Slide appearance: 0 to 0.5
Total mark gained varying from 0 to 10
* Signal to noise ratio is an important parameter for measuring the quality of immunohistochemical staining. Heavy background staining marks will be deducted.
Ten is the highest score and five is the passing score. Survey data will be compiled and displayed in bar chart for comparison. Recommendations and comments will be given to participating laboratories which scores are below five.
The
new scoring system for 2011 onwards is as follows:
Excellent
(> 8 marks)
Good
(> 6 and <= 8 marks)
Satisfactory
(>= 5 and <= 6 marks)
Fail
(< 5 marks)
Remarks
Should
there be any data discrepancy in the survey report or any disagreement with the
performance evaluation, participant can appeal to the chairman of HKIMLSQAP for
amendment and review.
Contact us:
(852) 2499 0015
[Phone]
(852) 2124 2798 [Fax]
info@hkimlsqap.org [Email]
The Chairman
Quality Assurance Programme Committee
Hong Kong Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences Quality Assurance Programme Ltd.
Flat 1711, 17/F, Block C, Bell House,
525 - 543 Nathan Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Last updated on 1 December 2012.