Chain of events in Papanicolaou smear testing: impact on quality assurance.

Quality assurance is defined in this article as a comprehensive program aimed at preventing and controlling errors from the time a test is ordered until test results are reported and utilized in the care of the patient. Quality control is only one facet of a total quality assurance program. Recently, the general public, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies have scrutinized the standards and practice of Papanicolaou smear testing. The components of quality assurance for gynecologic cytology are reviewed, and the chain of events in performing effective cytologic testing is described. The impact of various events on the outcome of Papanicolaou smear testing is thoroughly discussed.