The past becomes the future: requirements for medical pathology services

Abstract

Concern about so-called ‘shonky’ laboratories was the catalyst prompting the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) to become the driving force in the establishment of the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) which commenced developing standards for pathology laboratories. The first, titled Laboratory Assessment Checklists, were published in 1981. It is interesting to note the prophetic use of the word ‘assessment’ before the establishment of an assessment/ accreditation body in 1984. Originally there were ten documents targeting a general section, limited service laboratories and the specific disciplines as well as an overarching document called Standards for Pathology Laboratories. Since then the documents have evolved through standards and guidelines and have been through many iterations. The number has increased to 21, reflecting the growth of pathology and associated issues, e.g., quality assurance, IT, retention of records and specimens, etc. In the process, as they were developed by individual expert committees, they have become somewhat cumbersome and repetitive with minor inconsistencies creeping in. Consequently NPAAC decided that the entire suite should be streamlined for ease of use. An overarching document, to be called Requirements for Medical Pathology Services, would state general requirements for quality and safety applicable to all pathology services. This would be supported by detailed and technical requirements in specific areas of pathology practice. A brief outline of the proposed document and how it was constructed will be presented.