The closing date determines the timing of each cycle for submission. The closing date for submission is clearly stated on the assessment run delivery letter. This form also advises that submissions cannot be accepted after this date.

In some instances, submissions received after this date may be accepted at the discretion of the Scheme Manager. This is providing the participant states a genuine reason for the late submission of material.

Submissions received after the closing date without explanation, will be returned to the participant. Such submissions will be considered non-submissions for performance monitoring.

We do not encourage late submission of material and the Quality Manager will deal with late submissions on a case-by-case basis, as late submissions are regularly audited, and any frequent abusers are notified.

Pricing for all schemes and services is structured according to their specific level, scope, and content. As a not-for-profit organisation, UK NEQAS for CPT is committed to keeping subscription fees as low and accessible as possible, ensuring excellent value for laboratories of all sizes and sectors. Each scheme subscription includes immediate access to comprehensive feedback, with both individual and generic reports available for download following every assessment cycle. In addition to performance benchmarking, participants benefit from exclusive access to our programme of events, educational materials, and learning resources—designed to support continuous improvement and professional development across the cellular pathology community.

UK NEQAS CPT will invoice participants for the annual subscription, which is due within 30 days of receipt. Heads of department are asked to ensure prompt payment of subscriptions before July.

Invoices will come from:

LABXCELL/ UK NEQAS CPT Finance Officer

Haylofts

St Thomas Street,

Haymarket,

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LE

OR

finance@labxcell.org

Late payment of annual subscriptions could result in suspension of your laboratory from the Scheme. If you are a UKAS accredited laboratory and you are suspended from the Scheme you are obliged to notify UKAS of this fact.

UK NEQAS CPT is committed to delivering a fair, transparent, and high-quality External Quality Assessment (EQA) and proficiency testing service. Our goal is to support participants in maintaining and improving performance standards through accurate, impartial, and educational assessment practices.

Participant confidentiality will be strictly maintained throughout the entire complaints procedure. Participants are expected to support this commitment by respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved.

Submitting a Complaint

All complaints about UK NEQAS CPT services should be directed to the Quality Manager, who will ensure they are forwarded to the appropriate person for investigation. The Complaints Policy, detailing the procedure, is available on the UK NEQAS CPT website.

Follow up

Each complaint is followed up on an individual basis, with the outcome carefully reviewed and communicated directly to the Participant who submitted the complaint. This ensures transparency and provides the complainant with a clear resolution or explanation

If the complaint cannot be resolved at this stage, the Scheme Management will advise the Participant to escalate the matter to one of the following: 

• The chairperson of the UK NEQAS Steering Committee for Techniques in Cellular Pathology, if the issue pertains to operational aspects of UK NEQAS CPT, or
• The chairperson of the NQAAP for Cellular Pathology, if the complaint relates to the performance of UK NEQAS CPT. 

The chairperson of either committee may decide to escalate the matter to the UK NEQAS Executive or the Quality Assurance in Pathology Committee (QAPC) [formerly known as the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Quality Assurance], as appropriate.