title: Scientific issues related to the cytology proficiency testing regulations.
abstract: The member organizations of the Cytology Education and Technology Consortium believe there are significant flaws in current cytology proficiency testing regulations. The most immediate needed modifications include lengthening the required testing interval, utilizing stringently validated and continuously monitored slides, changing the grading scheme, and changing the focus of the test from the individual to laboratory level testing. Integration of new computer-assisted and located-guided screening technologies into the testing protocols is necessary for the testing protocol to be compliant with the law.
authors.affiliation: Grady Health System, 80 Jessie Hill Junior Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. gbirdso@emory.edu
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Birdsong
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Atkison
authors.forename: R Marshall
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: Marluce
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bibbo
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Bonfiglio
authors.forename: Diane D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Davey
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keebler
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mody
authors.forename: Lynnette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Savaloja
authors.forename: Jacalyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Papillo
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prey
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raab
authors.forename: Brenda L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Solomon