Memorial Hospital laboratory receives accreditation from College of American Pathologists

CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists recently awarded accreditation to Memorial Hospital Laboratory in Carthage, based on a recent on-site inspection part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs.

The facility’s medical director, Dr. Jason W. Barnes, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the provided services. Memorial Hospital Laboratory is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

“We are proud of our lab,” Memorial Hospital Laboratory Director Robert Deveraux said. “Our laboratory must meet more than 3,000 standards set forth by CAP accreditation.  More than 10,000 tests are performed annually in the following areas: blood bank, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry and blood gas, serology, point of care, microbiology and molecular.  Staff competency must be maintained in all areas of testing.”

The United States federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, which started in the early 1960s, as equal to or more stringent than the government’s inspection program.

The CAP accreditation process is 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, records, and overall management.