NMC Laboratory Earns CAP Accreditation

St. Albans (February 19, 2013) --- Northwestern Medical Center’s Laboratory and Respiratory Therapy Department have been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of an on-site inspection in October.
 
“I am extremely proud of all our staff for successfully completing the reaccreditation process,” says David Blin, NMC’s Laboratory Director. “This is a big accomplishment and it shows the staff’s dedication to quality each and every day. We are very proud of this accomplishment and we strive to ensure that our patients receive service of the highest quality.”
 
The Respiratory Therapy Department was also inspected during the day-long site visit and earned its accreditation as well.
 
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.
 
NMC is one of more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.
 
During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff’s qualifications, the department’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory’s patients.
 
NMC’s Laboratory conducts well over 300,000 tests per year, serving patients of local physician offices, as well as patients in the hospital. NMC’s Lab provides access to a full menu of highly specialized testing both internally and through our collaborative relationships with Fletcher Allen and Mayo Medical Reference Laboratories. 
 
The outpatient walk-in lab is open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. For a list of key services offered by the laboratory, visit http://www.northwesternmedicalcenter.org/laboratory. Or, call 524-1070 with questions.