PAP PT Appeal Process and Submission

The CAP uses field-validated slides for proficiency testing. The slides provided in the proficiency test slideset were accepted into the PAP program by three board certified pathologists. These slides were placed into the PAP educational program and were field-validated with a consensus agreement on the reference interpretation by both pathologists and cytotechnologists.

A participant may choose to challenge a field-validated slide within 10 days of receipt of their scorecard if they receive an Unacceptable score (less than 90%). The challenge may be initiated at the PAP PT Appeal Process and Submission page on the CAP Web site or may be written and mailed to CAP at:

College of American Pathologists
Anatomic Pathology, PT
325 Waukegan Road
Northfield, IL 60093

The challenge must contain the following information:

• Participant's name and PTR number
• Laboratory's CAP number
• Kit number
• Slideset number
• Case number
• Test Session
• Detailed description of the challenge and defense of diagnostic appeal

The participant must still register for the retest while the challenge is initiated.

CAP recommends scheduling the retest late in the 45-day time window to allow time for the appeal to be processed.

Three members of the Cytopathology Resource Committee will review the case independently. The participant will be notified of the outcome in writing. If the challenge results in a corrected score, a revised scorecard will be issued and the participant's retesting fee will be reimbursed to the laboratory.

If an acceptable score (90% or greater) was received, but the participant does not agree with the slide diagnosis, please submit a comment and the slide will be reviewed by committee members at the next committee meeting.