title: Canadian experience in cytology proficiency testing.
abstract: The mandatory Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program (LPTP) of the province of Ontario as applied to cytology laboratories is briefly described. LPTP evaluates reporting of test slides to identify laboratories that have deficiencies. Such laboratories receive an on-site visit, followed by recommendations on means of improvement (especially educational) and subsequent monitoring. Most of the 18 cytology laboratories visited to date have shown an improved level of performance on later tests.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards; D009864:Ontario; D010559:Personnel Management / Q000379:methods*; D011786:Quality Control; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000592:standards; D000078329:Workforce