4.5. TRIAL OF BENCHMARKS

The trial period ran from January to June 2012. During this period participants submitted results for two GYN conventional slide surveys and one submission of Performance Measures data. There are 50 Australian laboratories enrolled for the GYN module and Performance Measures. Results from the GYN module survey 1 showed three laboratories with a major error. Results from the Performance Measures part 1 submission showed 3 laboratories outside PM1 and 9 laboratories outside PM2b. This resulted in letters of notification being sent to 12 laboratories and a registered letter was sent to the Director of Pathology of each laboratory. Results from the GYN module survey 2 showed 2 laboratories with a major error, however, this still needs to be discussed with the Performance Review Committee.

One response outlining a laboratory’s corrective action has been received by the RCPA QAP to date. However it should be noted that assessment of corrective action is the responsibility of NATA and not the RCPA QAP.