Hanover Hospital Laboratories Earn CAP Accreditation

The Hanover Hospital Clinical and Pulmonary Blood Gas Laboratories have been awarded an accreditation by the Commision on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

One of the more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide, Hanover was congratulated by CAP for “excellence of the services being provided.”  The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.  During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the lab’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years.  CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff’s qualifications, the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory.  The inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory’s patients.

Michelle Lee, Administrative Director of Hanover’s clinical laboratory, is pleased with the success of the recent inspection.  “The CAP program is the most respected and

            

recognized laboratory accreditation program in the nation,” she said.  “It is considered the ‘gold standard’ against which others are measured.”  She explained that they check all phases of lab testing, including the annex facilities and courier procedures, to ensure the delivery of complete and accurate tests results for patients.

Though the CAP inspection occurs every other year, the lab does their own inspection on an ongoing basis.  The entire staff participates in this continuous process, as the department must be continually ready for unscheduled CAP inspections.

According to Lee, Hanover has always done well with CAP inspections, and especially so during this most recent one.  “I’m proud of all the supervisors and staff,” she said. “Every member of the staff is involved in this.  They all do a great job and should be proud of themselves.”