Saint Michael’s Medical Center laboratory has been accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) after a on-site inspection conducted as part of the organization’s accreditation program.
The CAP accreditation is recognition of the excellence of the services being provided by Saint Michael’s Lab, which is one of more than 7,700 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.
“The entire laboratory staff and administrative support staff can take pride in knowing that they are providing the highest quality services to our patients,” said Dr. Eliezer M. Seguerra, Jr., MD, the medical director of pathology and the clinical laboratory.
Seguerra specifically praised Roslyn Whittle-Kinard, the administrative director of Laboratory Services, for her commitment and guidance in providing quality laboratory services.
Dr. Claudia Komer, MD, Saint Michael’s chief medical officer, said quality lab services are essential in delivering appropriate care.
“Our patients can rest assured knowing that our lab provides consistent, quality, reliable results,” Komer said.
Saint Michael’s modern lab takes up the entire sixth floor of its Annex building and houses some of the most technologically advanced laboratory equipment available today.
The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program.
During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.
The College of American Pathologists serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.
The CAP’s Laboratory Improvement Programs, initiated 65 years ago, currently have customers in more than 100 countries, accrediting 7, 700 laboratories and providing proficiency testing to 20,000 laboratories worldwide.