Laboratory Proficiency Testing


         

2024 Spring LP Program registration is closed.

2024 Fall LP Program registration is open.

 

Description

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 biennial testing.

Registration is not automatic. You must register for spring and fall Laboratory Proficiency Testing in order to participate. Certificate of completion will be issued upon satisfactory completion of each laboratory proficiency testing.

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.

Registration Fees

ASDP Member: $175
Non-Member: $275

Register

*No refunds after testing materials are sent.

 

Registration Deadline

Spring Program: March 1, 2024
Fall Program: September 1, 2024

FAQ

  • Due to the nature of this program, late registrations are not permitted.
  • Spring and Fall Laboratory Proficiency Testing materials will be shipped four to six weeks after registration deadline.
  • Microscopic slides are due to the Program Director four weeks after receipt of materials.
  • It is imperative that the deadlines above are honored, as the slides received eight weeks or later after the receipt of the materials will not be reviewed.
  • Certificates of participation will be issued 12-16 weeks after registration deadline.
  • For more information on the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), download the CLIA brochure or visit the CMS CLIA Information Page

Questions?

For general information contact ASDP
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-847-572-2188