MDH Laboratory Earns Reaccreditation from CAP

MACOMB, Ill. – The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the McDonough District Hospital Laboratory based on results of an on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation program.

Recognized for rigorous and robust standards CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an important way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes.

The on-site inspection team included practicing pathology and laboratory medicine professionals. Following the inspection, MDH’s laboratory recorded one of its best-ever showings.

“CAP Accreditation requires daily excellence by laboratory staff. The inspectors look at two years’ worth of testing and supporting documentation to ensure the highest standards are met,” said Dr. Jennifer Jones, Chief of Pathology. “We are fortunate to have experienced laboratory leaders, technologists and technicians, phlebotomists and clerical staff dedicated to the gold standard of patient care. This accreditation demonstrates the professionalism and teamwork I witness from them daily.”

MDH is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

“We are immensely proud to announce that our MDH Laboratory team has once again demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and commitment to patient care during our inspection by the College of American Pathology,” said Brittany Doll, MDH Laboratory Director. “This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of the MDH Laboratory professionals to the highest standards of quality to provide accurate and reliable diagnostic services to our community. Excellence in laboratory medicine isn’t just a goal, it’s our steadfast commitment.”

During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. These reviews help verify activities reflect the most recent best practices.

With over 23,000 laboratory participants, in addition to accreditation, the CAP offers proficiency testing/external quality assessment (PT/EQA) programs, quality improvement tools, and protocols and guidelines to ensure excellence in all areas across the laboratory. Built on a foundation of pathologist expertise, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) partners with laboratories worldwide to elevate the quality of laboratory medicine with best-in-class solutions designed to drive operational excellence, achieve diagnostic confidence, and ensure the best patient care.

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

The MDH Drive-Thru is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on the weekend from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. To learn more about the laboratory services offered at MDH and the MDH Drive-Thru, log onto www.MDH.org.

About the College of American Pathologists: As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, go to www.cap.org.