Pathology Laboratories Re-Accredited

10/31/2017

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the laboratories operated by the Pathology department at Saint Louis University School of Medicine based on the results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs.

Carole Vogler, M.D., chair of pathology, was advised of the national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided.

“It’s a stamp of approval for our reference laboratories, which offer the highest quality of specialized services to hospitals, physicians, and patients,” Vogler said.

SLU’s Pathology labs perform autopsies; evaluate cell and tissue specimens; analyze blood samples to identify diseases; and use sophisticated techniques, including electron microscopy, to evaluate a range of specimens to diagnose medical conditions such as renal or muscle diseases, among other conditions.

Vogler said SLU’s labs have been accredited by CAP since 1998. The 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, 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 process is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

As the leading organization with more than 18,000 board-certified pathologists, CAP 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.