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 1,800 similar facilities worldwide. 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.
Additionally, the North Oaks Medical Center Department of Laboratories
is one of 7,000+ CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide, and has achieved
this designation since 1996. 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.
For more information about North Oaks Health System’s laboratory
services,
click here
or call North Oaks Corporate Communications at (985) 230-6647.