Abstract: Objective To evaluate continuously the unpassed items in proficiency testing(PT), improve the determination quality of outpatient and emergency departments, and provide clinical accurate report. Methods The College of American Pathologists(CAP) PT reports were evaluated, and the unpassed items were analyzed and improved into the quality management plan. Results The determination numbers of items in PT and unpassed rates from 2007 to 2011 were 2 440, 2.6%; 2 593, 1.1%; 2 355, 0.6%; 1 894, 0.5%; and 1 799, 0.4%. The differences of unpassed rates from 2007 to 2011 had statistical significance (P< 0.05). The main factors for unpass were methodological, technical and clerical errors. Conclusions During the last 5 years, the PT unpassed rates decrease significantly. CAP accreditation is beneficial for the continuous quality improvement.

Key words: Proficiency testing, Continuous quality improvement, The College of American Pathologists accreditation