Changes to this edition of the gynaecological cytopathology EQA scheme
Updated 7 April 2025
Applies to England
漏 Crown copyright 2025
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The EQA management board approved the following changes to the 12th edition of the NHS cervical screening programme (NHS CSP) gynaecological cytopathology EQA scheme.
References to 鈥榤anagement board鈥� have been removed and there is revised nomenclature for National QA Lead (now the Cervical Screening Senior Clinical Lead).
1. Introduction
Inserted a reference to the applicable ISO standard (17043).
2. Chapter 1 The EQA scheme
Section 1.3 EQA scheme enquiries 鈥� updated contact information.
3. Chapter 3 Governance
Removal of section 3.3 EQA Management Board.
Section 3.2 updated remit for EQA steering group.
4. Chapter 4 Laboratory participation
Section 4.2 enrolment of new laboratories to the scheme.
Inserted content relating to the enrolment of non-NHS laboratories and the levying of fees for participation.
5. Chapter 6 Preparation for EQA
Section 6.5 Assembly of slide sets.
Removed reference to the number of participants required for statistical validity.
6. Chapter 16 Referral sheet for reporting abnormal slides
New section 鈥� content (unchanged) previously accessed through a different page.
7. Chapter 17 Scoring matrices
New section 鈥� content (unchanged) previously accessed through a different page.
8. Chapter 18 Performance examples with action points
New section 鈥� content (unchanged) previously accessed through a different page.
9. Chapter 19 Amalgamation of grades when both adjacent grades have equal consensus
New section 鈥� content (unchanged) previously accessed through a different page.