Northwestern Medical Center’s Laboratory has 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.

“This is a true testament to the entire lab team’s commitment to being a high-quality, highly reliable laboratory,” said President and CEO Peter Wright, FACHE. “I’ve heard it said that without a lab, there is no hospital – that’s how important the laboratory is to everything we do.”

“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 strive to ensure that our patients receive service of the highest quality, and this achievement reflects that mission.”

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.

Under the medical direction of Dr. Thomas Suppan, NMC is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’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. 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 400,000 tests per year. The Lab is the primary provider of laboratory testing for physician offices and nursing homes located throughout Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Through our collaborative relationships with UVM Medical Center, Mayo Clinical Laboratories, and the American Red Cross, we offer a full menu of highly specialized testing and transfusion services.

The Outpatient (blood draw) Lab is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (802) 524-1070.

For a list of key services offered, visit www.northwesternmedicalcenter.org/services/laboratory