Raising standards in pathology: the accreditation process in the United Kingdom.

The accreditation scheme established by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd has been in formal operation since 1992. So far, 933 laboratories have been inspected, nearly two-thirds of all laboratories in the UK. Of these, 73% are fully accredited, 24% have outstanding conditions requiring correction, and 3% have been referred. Inspectors have identified some regional and specialty differences, most notably in histopathology and cytology. The second cycle of inspection visits is underway. Most UK departments of pathology have embraced the concept of accreditation with relative enthusiasm and there has been strong support from professional bodies, specialist societies, health service managers, the independent sector and government departments.