UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique (CPT) is part of a not-for-profit consortium of EQA and PT providers, offering comprehensive external quality assessment services vital to modern clinical laboratory testing. Recognised as a global leader in Cellular Pathology EQA and PT, UK NEQAS CPT supports laboratories worldwide by managing both physical and digital sample distribution, ensuring participation across international networks. Our dedicated team—comprised of leading experts in laboratory and clinical diagnostics—develops and manages schemes that uphold the highest standards in programme delivery. Through our close work with oversight bodies in the UK, we help to strengthen governance and improve patient safety. Our mission is to independently monitor and enhance the quality of diagnostic testing and reporting, ensuring that test results are always safe, comparable, and clinically meaningful, regardless of location.

At UK NEQAS CPT, we are committed to advancing patient care through innovative EQA scheme development, expert guidance, and a strong focus on education and professional development. We actively harmonise diagnostic quality across borders, supporting laboratories and their teams through a range of educational resources—including Masterclasses, E-Learning, webinars, and personalised training. In collaboration with LabXCell, our vision is to offer trusted EQA services that laboratories advocate for, commercial companies choose as a partner, and professionals are proud to support. We aim not only to assess performance but also to empower clinical and laboratory staff with the skills and knowledge required to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare. Through strategic collaboration, global leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, UK NEQAS CPT continues to shape national and international best practices in laboratory medicine.

UK NEQAS CPT offers secure, well-established proficiency testing and external quality assessment (EQA) schemes. With over 1500 participants worldwide, both clinical and non-clinical laboratories trust our services for their accuracy and reliability. Our schemes deliver high-quality, clinically relevant, and challenging samples tailored to meet each organisation’s specific requirements. These samples are assessed by qualified Cellular Pathology experts, who ensure consistent grading, anonymous comparisons, and peer reviews to maintain the highest standards of assessment and evaluation – assuring continuous quality monitoring.

Our network of participating laboratories spans over 50 countries, collectively submitting more than 30,000 patient samples each year in both physical and digital formats. These samples are graded by our experts, ensuring best practices and gold-standard results for both laboratories and patient care. This continuous interaction, through mailings, phone communication, and particularly via our website, enables us to efficiently disseminate messages, share best practices, and provide networking within the scientific community

UK NEQAS CPT offers accessible educational activities for immediate learning. We are dedicated to nurturing a culture of quality through ongoing education, training, and communication. Our resources support quality standards, introducing the community to best practices, successful protocols, and proven methods for improvement.

At UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique (CPT), our team of specialised experts in Biomedical Science, Histotechnology, Cytotechnology, and Healthcare Science is dedicated to helping laboratories uphold best practices, ensure proficiency, and drive continuous quality improvement. We provide proactive, expert-led support, including direct access to troubleshooting advice, to help participants address challenges early and enhance the quality of care delivered to patients.

Our educational mission is at the heart of everything we do. Through the analysis of performance data, trend monitoring, and the sharing of best practices, we guide laboratories in auditing and improving their services. We highlight common pitfalls and exemplary practices, enabling participants to evaluate their assay performance over time, across different methodologies, and between networks—all in alignment with current international standards.

We deliver end-to-end quality assurance through an intuitive online platform that offers participants easy access to data input, individualised performance reports, and detailed feedback. Our Annual Performance Reports provide a comprehensive summary, including comparative benchmarking with international peers. This empowers laboratories to assess their compliance, quality, and progress toward excellence.

As a not-for-profit organisation, UK NEQAS CPT is deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Our educational initiatives include scientific meetings, interactive masterclasses, e-learning modules, and expert-led workshops. We work closely with professional societies and industry partners to stay at the forefront of diagnostic innovation and contribute to the development of both UK and international clinical guidelines.

We also provide:

• Real-world, clinically relevant case studies to enhance diagnostic insight
• Independent quality assessments, supporting laboratories regardless of their accreditation status
• Access to experienced scientific staff for personalised guidance
• Clear, constructive feedback to support quality improvement initiatives
• Resources to support accreditation efforts and meet evolving standards

Specialist Assessment and Advice

Our team of UK NEQAS CPT Ambassadors are here to support your quality and compliance

• Participants gain access to Specialist Advisory Panels for all schemes, each panel consists of an international team of experts in their respective fields.
• Our Expert Peer Assessors are Specialist Biomedical Scientists, Histotechnologists, Cytotechnologists, Advanced Practitioners, Clinical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists, all of whom undergo rigorous training and competency assessment before being appointed.
• Each Scheme is led by a Specialist Scheme Coordinator, responsible for developing the Scheme and managing a team of experts, who are readily available to provide guidance and support the resolution of technical queries.

Why Participation in UK NEQAS CPT Matters

High-quality pathology is a cornerstone of modern healthcare—impacting over 95% of clinical pathways and forming the basis for 70% of all diagnoses. In a system like the NHS, which treats over one million patients every 36 hours, reliable test results are critical to safe and effective decision-making.

When your laboratory participates in UK NEQAS CPT, it demonstrates a commitment to accurate testing, informed diagnoses, and consistent, high-quality care. It signals to patients, clinicians, and oversight bodies that your laboratory values accountability, transparency, and ongoing excellence in diagnostics.

Participation in UK NEQAS CPT doesn’t just improve laboratory performance—it supports safer, more effective healthcare for everyone.