Labs Conduct 1 Million Tests Annually
DANVILLE, VA - (July 12, 2007) - The four clinical laboratories of Danville Regional Medical Center have earned full accreditation from the College of American Pathologists.
The four clinical labs - main laboratory, open heart, respiratory therapy and point-of-care (bedside) - conduct approximately 1 million tests per year, according to Peggy Simpson, administrative director of laboratories.
“This certification means our labs have met the high quality standards for lab tests, and the community can be assured the results of their lab tests are accurate,” Simpson said.
“Our total focus is the patient,” said Simpson. She credits the dedication of technologists for the high quality of lab work performed in the hospital. “All of our technologists have a degree in clinical lab science and are certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Most of them have been here for 20-30 years,” she added.
“Many of the physicians’ decisions regarding patients’ diagnosis and treatment are supported by laboratory test results,” said Thomas J. Hardy, MD, medical director of the labs. Pathologists guide therapy of patients with information provided to doctors.”
Labs are accredited through peer review by other accredited labs, Simpson explained. Technologists from Danville Regional will be evaluating other labs to determine their compliance with standards of the College of American Pathologists.
The lab accreditation program 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 laboratories’ records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff’s qualifications, the laboratories’ equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratories. This stringent inspection program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for the patients.
The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.
