Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the standards of quality control and assurance programs adopted in pathology laboratories in Turkey by the aid of a questionnaire-based survey.

Materials and Methods: We have submitted a survey that consisted of 68 questions to 250 various public and private pathology laboratories located in university hospitals, Ministry of Health research hospitals, and private hospitals throughout Turkey. We received 84 responses, and the responses were analyzed with the aid of a statistics program (SPSS).

Results: None of the pathology laboratories that responded to the survey used a quality control program that was unique to pathology, and many of the responders were using general hospital quality control programs. There were no standards in the use and calibration of histopathology equipment. Half of the laboratories had written guidelines of their quality control procedures. The written protocols were most common for macroscopic examination and reporting of specimens. Adult autopsies were very low to null, but there were large number of pediatric and perinatal autopsies performed in most of the laboratories. We identified many problems concerning the safety procedures.

Conclusion: Our results showed that pathology quality control programs adopted elsewhere may not be entirely suitable to pathology laboratories in our country. We propose development of quality assurance programs that consider the specific circumstances of the pathology laboratories in our country, and such programs should be better implemented.