The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations at Section 493.855(a) state: "The laboratory must ensure that each individual engaged in the examination of gynecologic preparations is enrolled in a proficiency testing (PT) program approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) . . ." Effective in 2005, all CLIA certified laboratories (accredited, non-accredited, and CLIA-exempt) that perform gynecologic cytology testing must ensure that each individual (cytotechnologists and pathologists) enrolls in a CMS-approved cytology PT program for 2005, no later than June 30, 2005 and annually thereafter. 

The CMS-approved Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT) Programs for calendar year 2007 are

• the College of American Pathologists,

• the State of Maryland Cytology PT Program, and

• the American Society for Clinical Pathology program.

For additional CLIA cytology PT information, refer to the links below.  

Downloads
Letter on Notification of Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT) Policy Regarding PT Referral Sent August 29, 2008 [PDF, 58 KB] Survey and Certification Letter (December 2006, to State Agency Directors) [PDF, 184 KB] Cytology PT Informational Supplement 2006 [PDF, 357 KB] Cytology PT Enrollment Table [PDF, 21 KB] Final 2005 National Cytology Proficiency Testing Results [PDF, 28 KB] September 20, 2006 CLIAC Presentation - Cytology Update [PDF, 382 KB] Final 2006 Cytology PT Statistics [PDF, 18 KB] Final 2007 Cytology PT Statistics [PDF, 23 KB]
Related Links Inside CMS
State Survey Agency (SA) Responsibilities for 2007 Regarding Gynecologic Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT) under CLIA and Additional Program Information [PDF, 87 KB]
Related Links Outside CMS
There are no Related Links Outside CMS

Page Last Modified: 10/21/2008 5:11:28 PM
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