Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

North Oaks Department of Laboratories Earns Accreditations for Quality

  • Category: In The News
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Laura Hanzo
North Oaks Department of Laboratories Earns Accreditations for Quality

The Department of Laboratories at North Oaks Medical Center recently earned accreditation renewals following on-site surveys from AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The Laboratory’s Blood Bank has been AABB-accredited since 1974 and is currently among nearly 2,000 similar facilities worldwide. Additionally, the North Oaks Medical Center Department of Laboratories is one of more than nearly 8,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide, and has achieved this designation since 1996.

AABB is a Maryland-based peer review assessment program. Accreditation through the program is voluntary and validates North Oaks’ commitment to the highest standards of excellence for blood transfusion activities. The AABB Accreditation Program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.

CAP 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 the procedure quality controls for the preceding 2 years. CAP inspectors also examine staff qualifications, as well as the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.