Cytopathology : official journal of the British Society for Clinical Cytology
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The Technical External Quality Assessment Scheme (TEQA) introduced in Wales is based on NHSCSP publication No 19 [External Quality Assessment Scheme for the Evaluation of Papanicolaou Staining in Cervical Cytology] which sets out the policies and standard operating procedures for the TEQA of Papanicolaou staining of gynaecological cervical samples. As part of a development plan for the TEQA scheme in Wales, the use of a control sample was introduced to the assessment process - a common control sample can provide a consistent assessment parameter independent of the recommended slide selection process [External Quality Assessment Scheme for the Evaluation of Papanicolaou Staining in Cervical Cytology, NHSCSP Publication No 19, February 2004] enabling direct comparison of staining standards for laboratories within the region; this counters selection variation bias, establishing a process that may be more representative of routine staining results. ⋯ This method of producing control material establishes consistency in the TEQA comparative assessment process, counters selection bias and reduces the time demands associated with slide selection. It may also prove useful in identifying technical problems within laboratories during sample preparation prior to or during staining, including equipment or process faults. This technique is now well established locally as an enhancement of the current TEQA scheme for the assessment of slide staining. We feel that this enhancement could be incorporated as a new initiative in the current National TEQA scheme as a complement to the established selection process.
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To analyse the spectrum of nuclear features as well as dissociation pattern found in fine needle aspirates (FNAC) from histological grade 1 breast carcinomas and evaluate the critical cytological features of these lesions. ⋯ Not all histological grade 1 carcinomas are cytological grade 1. About 25% were grade 2, and a small subpopulation reached grade 3. The typical/average findings in FNAC from grade 1 breast carcinomas were a population of both groups and single cells showing mild pleomorphism, granular chromatin, slightly irregular nuclear margin, indistinct nucleolus and nuclear size 2-4 x RBC.