Gynecologic Cytology Turnaround Time

Abstract

Abstract Objectives.—To determine the turnaround time for gynecologic cytology in a large sample of laboratories and to identify laboratory and specimen characteristics associated with better and worse performance. Design and Setting.—Prospective evaluation of gynecologic cytology turnaround times in 371 laboratories. Main Outcome Measure.—Gynecologic cytology case turnaround time. Results.—Three hundred seventy-one laboratories submitted information regarding laboratory characteristics and processes, and turnaround times of 66 042 gynecologic cytology cases. Half of the participating laboratories had mean turnaround times of 6 calendar days or less and were able to complete 90% of their cases within 8 calendar days. Ten percent of participants had mean turnaround times greater than 13 days and required 19 or more days to report 90% of their cases. Longer turnaround times were associated with the use of reference laboratories for all or part of the evaluation; contacting the physician's office for additional information; using cytotechnology students, residents, or fellows in the evaluation; and providing service on the weekend. Conclusion.—Practice patterns contribute to the long turnaround times for gynecologic cytology found in some laboratories and may be improved by local site-specific process analysis.