Guidelines for the reporting of nongynecologic cytopathology specimens.
BACKGROUND
Gynecologic cytology terminology and report formatting have been nationally standardized since the implementation of The Bethesda System of 1988, but standard reporting for nongynecologic cytology has never been formally addressed on the same scale.


OBJECTIVE
To promote patient safety through uniform reporting in nongynecologic cytology (including fine-needle aspiration cytology) and to improve communication between laboratories and health care providers.


METHODS
Sources include the College of American Pathologists Cytopathology Resource Committee; the College of American Pathologists Council on Scientific Affairs Ad Hoc Committee on Pathology Report Standardization; the College of American Pathologists Laboratory Accreditation Program inspection checklists; the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe the major elements of quality nongynecologic cytology reporting and discuss areas of controversy in cytology reporting. Standardized nongynecologic specimen reporting will expand the concept of common report elements already widely implemented in gynecologic cytology reporting. The intent is to improve communication with the health care team while remaining in compliance with federal mandates and accreditation guidelines.
Crothers
Barbara A
BA
Department of Pathology and Area Laboratory Services, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20307-5001, USA. barbara.crothers@us.army.mil
Tench
William D
WD
Schwartz
Mary R
MR
Bentz
Joel S
JS
Moriarty
Ann T
AT
Clayton
Amy C
AC
Fatheree
Lisa A
LA
Chmara
Beth Anne
BA
Wilbur
David C
DC
D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards*; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000592:standards*; D010346:Patient Care Management / Q000592:standards; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States