2012 Laboratory Proficiency Testing

Register online or download Registation Form.

For the last 37 years, dermatopathology laboratories have participated in ASDP’s Laboratory Proficiency Testing. In 2011, 82 laboratories enrolled in the program.

Testing participants receive tissue specimens, which must be processed in their laboratories according to specific techniques. The microscopic slides are then sent to the director of the Laboratory Proficiency Testing. The director assesses the technical quality of the work performed and informs the participant of deficiencies. A certificate is issued to the laboratory if the work is satisfactory.

Results of the proficiency testing can be used to satisfy CLIA requirements for annual or biannual testing. This year part of the proficiency testing will be dedicated to each mode outlined on the laboratory permit (e.g., AFB stained slides for mycobacteriology, Gram stain for bacteriology, etc.).

Changes in the program began in 2009, which was the first year histology blocks were sent with instructions to perform more than one stain. In the near future, results reporting will most likely change from pass/fail for the overall test to pass/fail for EACH stain reviewed.

Who should participate?

Dermatopathology trainees – slides, once performed and received, can be stored, scanned, and distributed in digital format to programs that can use them in evaluation of fellows and assessment of their proficiency
Histotechnologists – the same scenario outlined for dermatopathology trainees can be used for assessment of histotechnologists and histotechnology trainees. The material provided and digitized can be provided to the laboratories on an as-needed basis for testing histotechnologists or performance evaluation measures.
Laboratory Directors – Five slides in each category (per stain) which are deemed exemplary during the review will be selected and posted anonymously on the web site. Additionally, up to five slides which are deemed unsatisfactory or barely satisfactory will also be posted to provide a self-troubleshooting opportunity to laboratories which do not complete the proficiency testing satisfactorily or are asked to establish an action and improvement plan. This will provide a further resource that laboratory directors, program directors and histotechnology supervisors can refer to while training personnel, troubleshooting stains, or comparing their controls on a daily basis.

Laboratory Proficiency Testing Pricing

Before August 31, ASDP Members can purchase the Lab Proficiency Testing for just $150. Non-members can purchase the Lab Proficiency Testing for $250. For a second year, we are pleased to offer late registration! From September 1 through December 31, ASDP Members can purchase the Lab Proficiency Testing for $200 and non-members can purchase it for $350. Registrations received after December 31 will not be accepted.

Registration Deadline: August 31, 2012

Testing materials will be shipped in September. (no refunds after testing materials are sent)

ASDP Member $150
Non-Member $250

Late Registration Deadline: December 31, 2012

Testing materials will be shipped 6-8 weeks after registration and payment is received. (no refunds after testing materials are sent). Registrations will not be accepted after December 31.

ASDP Member $200
Non-Member $350

Program Director

Drazen M. Jukic, MD, PhD
ASDP Diagnostic Quality Assurance Program Director