TECHNICAL MODULE (TM)  IAPMD QAP

Author :
​Assoc Prof Dr. Sharifah Emillia TS

​General information

What is the Technical Module (TM IAPMD QAP)?
The Technical Module International Academy of Pathology, Malaysian Division Quality Assurance Programme (TMIAPMD QAP) is a national external quality assurance (EQA) initiative developed by IAPMD to improve the quality and consistency of histopathology services in Malaysia.
This programme was established to address the absence of an organised inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) system in Malaysia, as highlighted by ISO 15189 standards.
How the programme works:
  • Laboratories use their own tissue samples and slides, prepared using their routine tissue processing and sectioning methods.
  • The tissue type and size are standardised to ensure comparability across all participating laboratories.
  • Each laboratory performs Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and histochemistry staining according to their usual protocols.
  • The stained slides are then submitted and evaluated by a panel of experienced pathologists and medical laboratory technologists.
Who can participate?
Participation is open to:
  • Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals
  • University and teaching hospitals
  • Private pathology laboratories
  • International institutions /laboratories
What is the aim of this programme?
​
Main Objectives:
  • To provide external proficiency testing (PT) for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and special stains.
  • To facilitate inter-laboratory comparison to monitor, benchmark, and improve the quality of staining and the overall histopathology workflow including tissue processing, sectioning, and staining.
What is unique about this TM?
Key Features of the TM IAPMD QAP (Why It’s Unique)
  • Participants use their own routine slides and samples for assessment — ensuring evaluation of the actual, real-world quality of each laboratory’s performance.
  • The assessment reflects:
    • Slide selection and tissue handling
    • Tissue preservation and processing technique
    • Quality and storage of reagents
    • Overall technical competence that influences the pathologist’s diagnostic accuracy
  • The programme offers a 2-in-1 exercise in every survey cycle:
    • Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained slide – standardised tissue type and section size
    • Special stain – appropriate tissue advised for each stain type
  • The TM IAPMD QAP is cost-effective, offering two assessments in one survey (2-in-1) — making it more affordable than international EQA schemes while maintaining high technical standards.
What is the difference between TMIAPMD QAP vs RCPA
​
TMIAPMD vs RCPA
• TMIAPMD: Uses each lab’s own slides – assesses full process (tissue selection, trimming, sectioning, staining).
• RCPA: Provides standard slides – assesses staining quality only.
• Key point: TMIAPMD covers more factors (e.g., section thickness, artefacts), hence wider outcome variation.

​Enrolment queries

How do I enrol?
You can enrol by contacting [email protected] or [email protected].

Do laboratories receive their own unique ID number?
✅ Yes. Each laboratory is assigned a unique ID to ensure anonymity and impartiality during assessment.

When will the programme open each year?
The programme typically opens in March every year. Dates are announced on the official IAPMD website: www.iapmd.net.

How do I get the programme price list?
Pricing and package details can be requested via [email protected]

What QAP programmes are available under IAPMD?
IAPMD currently offers three Quality Assurance Programmes (QAP):
  • General Diagnostic Module
  • Dermatopathology Module
  • Technical Module (TM-IAPMD QAP)
Further details on each programme are available on the IAPMD official website.

How is the ID number assigned to each laboratory?
The ID number will be provided via email from [email protected] once the laboratory has enrolled in the programme.

​Submission Process

Where should slides be sent?
Technical Module IAPMD QAP
Department of Pathology,
School of Medical Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus,
16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
When is the submission deadline for the programme?
The submission period is announced annually. For 2025, the timeline is as follows:
  • Opening date: 3 March 2025
  • Closing date: 6 April 2025
For future cycles, the exact dates will be updated and informed through official email and the IAPMD website.

How should slides be labelled?
To ensure anonymity and consistency, please follow these guidelines:
  • Label slides using only:
    • Participant ID, and
    • Exercise code (e.g., TM25-1, TM25-2)
  • Do not include the institution’s name, logo, or any identifiable information.
  • The label must be written clearly on each slide.
    • For example:
  • Exercise code: TM25-1  
  • Participant ID: 107  
The participant ID shown above is only an example. Please use the ID assigned to your laboratory (not your hospital name or lab code).
What types of stains are included in the TMIAPMD QAP?
The types of stains assessed may vary each year. For the 2025 cycle, the stains are:  ⤵️Table 1
Future cycles will follow a similar structure and will be announced in the official guidelines and clinical notes for that year.
How should slides be packaged?
Use a sturdy slide mailer with bubble wrap, placed in a padded envelope.
Mark the package:
“Glass slides for educational purposes only.”
Who handles the return of slides?
All returned slides will be managed by Innovz Sdn. Bhd.
Table 1 : The types of stains assessed may vary each year. For the 2025 cycle, the stains are : ​
Exercise Code
Stain Type
Tissue Type
TM25-1
Processing, Sectioning, and H&E stain
Lymphoid tissue
TM25-2
Trichrome stain
Colon, Appendix, or  Liver tissue

​Questionnaires and Evaluation

​How do I answer the questionnaires?
A Google Form link will be emailed by [email protected] once the programme opens.
Participants must complete the questionnaire for each exercise before the submission deadline.
How are slides assessed?
Slides are evaluated online in real-time by an expert assessment panel consisting of:
  • Senior pathologists from the Ministry of Health (MOH), universities, and private institutions
  • Scientific officers
  • Senior medical laboratory technologists
Detailed assessment criteria will be shared with all participants via email before the evaluation process.

​Result entry/ report queries

How long after the survey closes will I receive my report?
  • Individual reports are emailed within 3 months after the closing date.
  • Generic national report is uploaded on the IAPMD website within 2 weeks after individual reports are issued
How do I request a report review?
Email [email protected] within one month after the report is issued.
Re-evaluation requests after this period will not be entertained.
Will participants receive a certificate?
✅ Yes. Annual participation certificates are issued to all laboratories that complete the exercise.

Others

What happens if my slides arrive late or are damaged?
Late or damaged submissions will not be evaluated.
Participants will be notified via email. 
Can a lab submit more than one set of slides?
Only one complete set (H&E and special stain) per registered lab per cycle is allowed.
Is there a replacement policy for lost slides?
Participants are responsible for proper packaging. The organiser is not liable for damage in transit.
Who should I contact for assistance?
🔸Email: [email protected]
🔸Tel: +609-767 6441 / +609-767 4009
Secretariat, Technical Module Coordinator, IAPMD QAP:  En Mohd Zaki bin Zainon
Benefits of Joining the TM IAPMD QAP
  • Fulfil ISO 15189 requirements for inter-laboratory comparison.
  • Benchmark laboratory staining performance against peers.
  • Receive expert feedback and guidance.
  • Promote continuous improvement and technical competence.
  • Obtain national recognition and certification from IAPMD.
Do you have an example of the report?
Yes. Sample reports are available on the IAPMD website at:
https://www.iapmd.net/technical-module.html