Description
Approximately 10% to 20% of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) test results are discordant when tested in multiple laboratories. The adoption of a standard initial test validation process will reduce inter-laboratory variation, improve the accuracy of hormone-receptor testing, and minimize false-positive and false-negative results. This course defines minimal procedures for initially validating ER and PgR IHC tests before they are placed in clinical service and describes the ongoing assessment of assay procedures. You review a recent article on the validation of ER and PgR IHC assays and participate in a 10-item assessment that tests your understanding of the article’s concepts.

NOTE: This course is a prerequisite to attending the BPFT AP³ Risk Mitigation course where concepts regarding ER/PgR IHC validation and verification are further discussed.

Objectives
As a result of participating in this SAM eligible activity, you will be able to:

1. Distinguish between validation and verification of an ER/PgR assay and when each is required.
2. Describe an appropriate sample set for an ER/PgR assay validation or verification study.
3. Identify appropriate test conditions and requirements for an ER/PgR assay validation or verification study.

CME Information
Accreditation: The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Category 1: The College of American Pathologists designates this internet enduring material educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity meets the American Board of Pathology's (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements for Self-Assessment Modules (SAMs).

Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Section 3 Credit
Accreditation in Canada: This event is an Accredited Self Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, approved by the Canadian Association of Pathologists. You may claim a maximum of 2 hour(s) equivalent to 6 credit(s).

Passing Requirements
You have a total of three opportunities to take and pass the post-test. If you correctly answer 70% or more of the post-test items, you may claim credit. CME/SAM credit can be applied to the American Board of Pathology (ABP) Self-Assessment Module (SAM) requirements. The AMA requires that you pass the post-test in a enduring program to claim credit; therefore, if you do not pass, you cannot claim credit.

Attention Canadian Participants: You must complete all three attempts before claiming CPD credit (self-assessment program credits). If you do not pass the post-test after three attempts, you may still claim credit for this activity. Please contact a representative of the CAP Learning Division at 800-323-4040, Option 1 or education@cap.org with the name of this activity and the date completed to request a Letter of Participation.

Payment Information
To pay with a check, print a copy of this page and send it with your check to the address below. You will be notified when your payment has been processed and you have been registered into the activity.

College of American Pathologists
Education Division
325 Waukegan Road
Northfield, IL 60093-2750

Refund Policy
Refunds will be handled on an exception basis. Please submit your request to the CAP in writing via email at education@cap.org or fax at 847-832-8006.

Technical Requirements
Pop-up blockers must be turned off.

CAP Learning has recognized that some Veteran’s Administration, US Government, and military participants may have difficulty accessing the online assessment portion of this activity. If you experience difficulty or have any questions, please contact a representative of the CAP Learning Division at 800-323-4040, Option 1 or education@cap.org.

Your system must have Microsoft (MS) Silverlight installed to properly view and manipulate the online whole slide image microscopy display.

Availability
This activity and evaluation is available April 2, 2012 and will expire on April 2, 2015 12:00 AM (ET). You MUST claim credit by this date/time.