CHOC CHILDREN’S ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FROM COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS

February 24, 2010

CHOC Children’s Hematology Advanced Diagnostics Laboratory was awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent successful onsite inspection. The national recognition highlights the excellent services provided through the lab.

“We are very proud to receive this coveted recognition for our lab, which is intended to provide much needed diagnostic services to patients with rare disorders. These studies are not offered in routine laboratories, and now patients with blood problems can be diagnosed sooner and monitored more closely,” said Dr. Diane Nugent, Director of Hematology and the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory at CHOC Children’s. “Since we are a referral center for inherited blood disorders, it has always been our goal to bring these special tests to our community here in Orange County and throughout the state.”

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program began in the 1960s and 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 laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceeding two years. In addition, CAP inspectors examine staff qualifications, laboratory equipment and facilities, safety program and record, and overall laboratory management. The inspection program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

The CHOC Hematology Advanced Diagnostics Laboratory is an integral part of the care provided patients that includes comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for pediatric hematologic diseases.