At UK NEQAS CPT, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in diagnostic accuracy, patient confidentiality, and laboratory safety. This section outlines our key operational policies, including specimen handling, turnaround times, data protection, consent, and quality assurance procedures. These guidelines ensure we provide reliable, ethical, and compliant cellular pathology services to patients, clinicians, and healthcare partners.

Proficiency testing involves the interlaboratory comparison of a named investigation. To demonstrate their technical competence and integrity, proficiency testing providers are able to gain accreditation to an internationally recognised consistent set of standards.

The standards that govern these aspects of a proficiency testing provider are known as; "ISO17043 Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Proficiency Testing"
UK NEQAS CPT is a UKAS accredited proficiency testing provider No. 8268. Our accreditation is limited to those activities described on our UKAS schedule of accreditation found at https://www.ukas.com/ 

UK NEQAS CPT is governed principally by the guidelines and standards issued by the Human Tissue Act, ISO 17043 standards and RCPath on the supply of human tissue 

UK NEQAS CPT Governance

• Material commissioned for special stains is “left over from investigations” 

• No more tissue has been removed from the patient in excess of that required for ordinary clinical care and the EQA / proficiency testing use of the tissue does not compromise routine diagnostic assessment 

• Such tissue is used for the purpose of education and the audit of quality of care through “implementation of quality control and assurance programmes” 

• All tissue is anonymised

The above points constitute an exemption from the need to seek advice from Local Research Ethics Committees. 

• UK NEQAS CPT operates on a not-for-profit basis

• Transactions between UK NEQAS CPT and suppliers of tissue do take place

• Only “reasonable handling charges” are involved and the tissue itself is neither bought nor sold 

• Consumables may be offered to suppliers of tissue, to support tissue provision 

• The preparation and distribution of tissue is carried out in accordance with current Health and Safety legislation

UK NEQAS CPT Material 

• The provision of material for UK NEQAS CPT EQA / proficiency testing is subcontracted to external laboratories / organisations 

• All laboratories / organisations providing tissue for UK NEQAS CPT must be ISO accredited or equivalent, and provide written declaration confirming that they are operating to the above guidelines 

• Provided tissue is validated, following strict guidelines, at source and again by UK NEQAS CPT, prior to distribution 

• The criteria applied by UK NEQAS CPT EQA / Proficiency Testing Scheme for tissue procurement, is set up to meet the demands laid down by HTA for the use of human tissue

Should any distributed tissue be found to be compromised, material will be recalled and the associated assessment run suspended.

• Where it is not possible to source suitable human tissue, animal tissue may be used as an alternative 

• Animal tissue provided for UK NEQAS CPT activity, will be validated by parallel testing alongside an already validated human tissue control for the same target / attribute, in order to assure suitability of the material 

• Both human and animal tissue utilised for UK NEQAS CPT EQA / Proficiency Testing schemes have been validated against the appropriate UK NEQAS CPT assessment criteria, to ensure they contain the appropriate amount of suitable target material for effective demonstration and assessment.

Information Governance is the responsibility of both UK NEQAS CPT and the Participant. Organisational information must only be shared with others who are authorised to see it and need to know it in order to carry out their role.

As such, UK NEQAS CPT must be informed immediately of any amendments to key personnel at a registered centre, so that their login privileges can be removed and new login ID and password details issued.

Key personnel (3 main points of contact within a centre)

Main Contact

This is designated as the Clinical Lead within a department, or the Consultant Pathologist departmental head.

Technical Head

The Technical Lead with managerial responsibility for the registered department. This may also be the Laboratory/Organisation Manager.

Day-to-Day

The individual within a department who has section or day-to-day responsibility for the laboratory / organisation workings.

In addition, a Finance/Supplies contact must be added to ensure prompt issue of invoices and payment of subscription fees.

Additional personnel can also be added to a participant record as “Quality Manager” or “Web Member”, to enable other members of staff to receive UK NEQAS CPT communications.

At UK NEQAS CPT, all our shipments are conducted in accordance with international regulations for the transport of clinical materials (IATA standards). 

These samples are integral to our EQA/PT services but hold no commercial value—they are not for resale or use beyond the scope of our schemes. For customs purposes, shipping documentation may include a nominal value, though the samples themselves are not commercial goods.

Participating laboratories are required to complete the requested test on the samples and return to us for assessment of the test quality. These results are reviewed against peer data to determine performance consistency. Following review of test quality, educational feedback is provided—highlighting best practices, methodologies, and lessons learned to drive improvements in patient care. This process is supported by expert analysis from internationally recognised scientists and forms the foundation of our service.)

EU VAT Status:

UK NEQAS CPT services support clinical diagnostic efforts globally. The sample distribution within these services is exempt from VAT in accordance with Council Directive 2006/112/EC (last updated 12/12/2020), Chapter 2, Article 132, which exempts transactions related to hospital and medical care provided by public bodies or recognised medical institutions under comparable social conditions.

At UK NEQAS CPT, we are committed to conducting all aspects of our business ethically, transparently, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Bribery Act 2010.

Modern Slavery

We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in any form. We are committed to ensuring that:

• Our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
• We conduct appropriate due diligence when engaging with suppliers and partners.
• We review our procedures regularly to improve safeguards and accountability.

Anti-Bribery

We are equally committed to preventing bribery and corruption within our organization and in our interactions with external partners. We ensure that:

• All employees, contractors, and stakeholders understand that offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting bribes is strictly prohibited.
• Gifts and hospitality are monitored and must comply with clear ethical guidelines.
• Any suspected misconduct is investigated promptly and thoroughly, with appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.

We take our legal and ethical responsibilities seriously and strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in everything we do.

Privacy Statement

Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services. We are committed to handling your data securely, transparently, and in full accordance with applicable data protection laws.

UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique’s website does not store or capture personal information beyond what is required under our Terms and Conditions, as detailed in our Data Protection Policy. We do not use cookies to collect user data. The only information automatically logged is your IP address, used solely for system administration.

If you choose to provide personal information—such as your email address—through online forms or direct communication, this data will be treated as proprietary and confidential.

Please refer to our full Data Protection Policy and Data Protection Statement for more information about your rights and how we safeguard your information.

Accuracy

Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate and complete. However, we cannot guarantee that all content is free from error or omission and reserve the right to update or modify information as necessary.

Confidentiality

Participation in UK NEQAS CPT is governed by strict confidentiality and Information Governance standards, including ISO 17043 and guidelines set by the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Quality Assurance.

The UK NEQAS Steering Committee for Technology in Cellular Pathology advises all UK NEQAS schemes offering technical EQA in cellular pathology. Its remit focuses on operational aspects and does not include participant performance, except where performance monitoring mechanisms are involved.

The Joint Working Group on Quality Assurance (JWG) oversees the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panels (NQAAP), which serve as key reference points for scheme organisers regarding participant performance. As of 18th June 2009, the JWG has been formally incorporated into the Royal College of Pathologists’ Professional Standards Unit.

Intellectual Property

The names, images, and logos identifying UK NEQAS CPT are proprietary marks of UK NEQAS CPT. Copying or use of our logos—or those of third parties accessed via this website—is not permitted without prior written approval from the relevant copyright owner.

All information and materials within the Members' Area are provided to support participants in the continual improvement of cellular pathology techniques. Any intended use of this information beyond its original purpose must be approved in advance by UK NEQAS CPT.

Virus Protection

Every effort is made to check and test website content at all stages of production. However, we recommend that you run an up-to-date antivirus program on all material downloaded from the internet. UK NEQAS CPT accepts no responsibility for any loss, disruption, or damage to your data or computer system that may result from using content derived from this website.

At UK NEQAS CPT, we are dedicated to advancing healthcare through responsible and sustainable cellular pathology practices. We recognize that our work in diagnostics and laboratory medicine has an environmental footprint, and we are committed to reducing it wherever possible.

Our approach includes:

• Minimizing laboratory waste and improving recycling protocols.
• Using energy-efficient equipment and optimizing resource use.
• Sourcing environmentally responsible lab materials and suppliers.
• Supporting digital workflows to reduce paper and chemical usage.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and continuously improving through staff training and innovation.

We believe that scientific excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Through mindful operations, we aim to protect both patient health and the health of our planet.