Technical aspects of predictive and prognostic markers in breast cancer: What UK NEQAS data shows

Predictive and prognostic testing for breast cancer is now an important part of cellular pathology. The UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for immunocytochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization plays a significant role in ensuring that the quality of testing meets the clinical standards required, by assessing the performance of each participant laboratory every 3 months. Besides receiving a confidential performance report, data on the methods used are collected, analysed against the scores and published in the UK NEQAS journal. This information is intended to help those who are not achieving the best scores to improve their performance.