NORTHFIELD, Ill. (May 27, 2026) — Improved patient care starts with accurate diagnoses. A newly updated evidence-based guideline calls for structured, timely case reviews to reduce interpretive errors in pathology and strengthen patient outcomes.
Developed by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Subspecialty Pathology (ADASP), the Interpretive Diagnostic Error Reduction guideline establishes two strong recommendations supported by moderate-certainty evidence:
Key Recommendations
- Structured Case Review: Pathologists should develop procedures to review cases to detect disagreements and potential interpretive errors.
- Timely Review: Case reviews should be completed in time to positively impact patient management.
“Structured and timely case review helps ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses without delay,” said guideline chair Suzanne Dintzis, MD, PhD, FCAP. “Formalizing these processes strengthens diagnostic consistency and improves patient outcomes.”
The guideline also includes four good practice statements encouraging laboratories to document review procedures, periodically monitor results, address areas of poor diagnostic agreement, and use established grading criteria when variability is identified.
The CAP will reassess the guideline every five years or sooner, as warranted by new evidence or changes in practice.
For tools, resources, and further details, visit the guideline webpage on 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.