CAP’s 2026 proficiency testing and external quality assessment programs include many firsts
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) announced 21 new proficiency testing and external quality assessment programs for 2026, including groundbreaking global HIV-1/HIV-2 detection and differentiation. These initiatives aim to improve laboratory accuracy and patient care worldwide.
Among the offerings is the first HIV-1/HIV-2 molecular detection and differentiation program to be accessible globally. U.S. firsts include the country’s first H5N1 avian influenza and Dengue Virus Serology (DENS) programs.
Additionally, CAP announced the addition of “a new quality improvement tool, Reticulocyte Calibration Verification and Linearity, to help identify any analytical measurement range (AMR) changes that could result in inaccurate results.”
CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP stated in CAP’s press release, “These innovative PT/EQA programs give laboratories the tools they need to deliver accurate, reliable patient care.”
