Quality manual for non-gynecological cytology: Level III pathology laboratories Manual de calidad para citología no ginecológica: Laboratorios de patología de nivel III

Abstract

The objective of creating a quality manual is to provide the parameters that allow an adequate description of the procedures to be followed in non-gynecological cytology, obtaining satisfactory samples and better results in the diagnosis. In addition, it unifies the activities that are carried out in a practical and useful way to implement it as a guide for pathology laboratories of level III. To achieve this, the existing documentation on the subject was revised, as well as the procedures and methods performed in the area of ​​non-gynecological cytology and the characteristics that a pathology laboratory of level III according to the Ministry of Health should have. It was supported by means of law 100 of 1993 giving great importance to the implementation of quality manuals not only in the area of ​​non-gynecological cytology, but in all sections that make up a highly complex pathology laboratory. When designing a manual such as the one that was made, trained personnel are provided with a guide to develop their own manuals according to the type of laboratory they handle; In this way, any institution to which this manual applies can count on a basic quality system in non-gynecological cytology to correct faults, reduce costs and improve efficiency in handling the samples received, which are of vital importance for the accurate diagnosis. Abbreviations: FNAP, fine needle aspiration puncture; BACAF, fine needle aspiration biopsy.