New offerings support laboratories advancing infectious disease detection, precision medicine, and transfusion safety
Northfield, Ill. (July 21, 2026) — In response to changing laboratory testing needs, including emerging infectious diseases and advanced molecular diagnostics, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has launched 10 new proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) programs for 2027 to help laboratories evaluate performance, strengthen quality, and support accurate patient care.
Among the new offerings are programs designed to address evolving public health and diagnostic challenges. These include the Candida auris Screen (CAUR), which supports the detection of an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, and the Global PT/EQA for Tropical Fever Panel (TFP), which helps laboratories assess testing for tropical infectious diseases.
"The new programs reflect evolving needs across laboratory medicine, including emerging infectious disease threats, advanced molecular diagnostics, and specialized transfusion medicine testing," said CAP President Qihui 'Jim' Zhai, MD, FCAP. "As testing continues to evolve, laboratories need robust tools to evaluate performance and maintain confidence in the results that guide patient care."
To support advances in precision medicine and genomic testing, CAP has introduced:
- Methylation-based Tumor Classification (MTC)
- RNA Fusions, Hematologic Malignancies (RNAH)
Additional programs address critical diagnostic and patient safety needs across laboratory disciplines, including:
- Anti-CD38 Interference Antibody Screen (DARA) for transfusion medicine
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella-Zoster Virus (MMRV)
- Reticulocyte (RT5)
- Serum Drug Testing (SDT)
Collectively, these programs help laboratories identify opportunities for improvement, demonstrate testing quality, and support compliance with regulatory requirements while advancing diagnostic excellence.
CAP proficiency testing and external quality assessment programs support laboratories worldwide and are designed to help ensure the accuracy and reliability of patient test results across all major laboratory disciplines.
For more information on CAP proficiency testing programs, visit cap.org.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.