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.