Quality control in cytological studies, especially in the field of cervical and vaginal cytologies, is one of the recommendations in cervical cancer screening established by the National and International Societies, including the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEGO – Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia), the Spanish Society of Anatomical Pathology (SEAP – Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica), the Spanish Association of Cervical Pathology (AEPCC – Asociación Española de Patología Cervical) and the Spanish Society of Cytology (SEC – Sociedad Española de Citología), among others.

In Spain there are no specific regulations for cytology laboratories comparable to those that have been established in other countries, such as the United States. Laboratories require an administrative authorization to carry out the analyses that is included within the general regulation of the centres in which they carry out their activity. For this reason, its correct operation is based on following the guidelines established by scientific societies. In this sense, the Catalan Society of Cytopathology drew up a Quality Guide that was in line with current regulations, in particular the UNE-En ISO 15189 regulation.

The development of these new indicators is the second part of this guide and represents an important contribution to complete the project and adapt the regulations specifically to cytologies. This extension is a work led by Dr Francesc Tresserra, head of Gynaecology Research and Development at Dexeus Mujer and head of the Anatomical Pathology Service at Hospital Universitario Dexeus.

Reference study:

Developing indicators for quality assurance in cytopathology. Catalan Society of Cytopathology
Tresserra F. Temprana J. Vazquez C et al Diagnostic Cytopathology. 2020;
Link to the guide (PDF): Quality Guide in Cytopathology