Practices of Participants in the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Cervicovaginal Cytology, 2006

Abstract Context.—Liquid-based preparations (LBPs) and human papillomavirus testing have led to changes in cervical cytology practices. The College of American Pathologists attempts to track practice patterns using a supplemental questionnaire, which allows laboratories to report diagnostic practices. Objective.—To analyze the 2006 reporting practices and to compare the results with the 2003 survey data. Design.—Questionnaire was mailed to 1621 laboratories. Participants included laboratories enrolled in the 2006 College of American Pathologists Gynecologic Proficiency Testing Program or the educational Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Gynecologic Cytology. Results.—Of the 679 responding laboratories (response rate, 42%), most (97.8%; n  =  664) had implemented the Bethesda 2001 terminology. The median rate for all preparations with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was 2.5% (2.9% for LBPs) compared with a 2003 median rate of 2.1%; the increase was confined to LBPs. Rates for high-grade squa...