The Use of Static Telecytology Applications for Accreditational Purposes

Background

Proficiency testing (PT) is a process for checking actual laboratory performance usually using interlaboratory data comparisons (Woodhouse et al., 1999; Cramer et al., 1991; Caron et al., 2018). Results from proficiency testing are an indication of a laboratory’s competence and consist an integral part of the assessment and accreditation process (Wood-house et al., 1999; Cramer et al., 1991; Brooker et al., 2019). According to ISO 15189: 2012, all accredited laboratories must conduct proficiency tests following their normal patient testing and reporting procedures (Caron et al., 2018; Pantanowitz et al., 2009). The practice of diagnostic cytology performed on digital images is a novel process that can be used for obtaining expert opinions on severe cases from remote laboratories (telecytology) (Archondakis et al., 2009; Brooker et al., 2019). Telecytological diagnosis can be achieved either with the use of cytological pictures viewed in real-time from the microscope (dynamic telecytological systems) or with the use of cytological pictures that are first captured in a digital format and then transmitted to distant observers (static telecytological systems) (Archondakis et al., 2009; Stamataki et al., 2008). As a result, many studies have focused on the possible role of telecytology as a tool of diagnosis and consultation in the everyday workflow (Archondakis et al., 2009; Brooker et al., 2019)