The German Society of Pathology (DGP) and the German Pathologists’ Association (BDP) operate a common quality management initiative, called QuIP® (Quality in Pathology). Its aim is to improve reliability and reproducibility of pathological diagnostics by conducting round robin tests (or: ring trials) for interested parties. The focus is on immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostics.
In recent years, quality management has gained increasing importance in healthcare. The field of pathology in particular relies on smooth-running processes and the capability to provide both patients and clinicians with accurate diagnoses, as the specific treatment depends on it. Since 2004, the QuIP has been offering round-robin testing services for histopathological, immunohistological and molecular-pathological methods, which serve as external laboratory controls. As of 2016, it has performed this task as a private limited liability company (GmbH) in order to streamline central processes that had been outsourced up to this point.
This is the legal form in which QuIP intends to get its accreditation to DIN EN ISO 17043 at the earliest possible date (in 2020 or 2021). Our service portfolio of ring trials is rounded out by advanced training programmes such as PD-L1 diagnostics, as well as individual post-test debriefings by phone. Our work is supported by so-called lead and panel institutes as well as the QuIP board, which provides scientific advice both to the partners and the executive board.
Certified institutes are displayed on the QuIP website. The name QuIP® is a registered trademark at the German Patent and trademark office in Munich.
Website: www.quip.eu