Firelands Regional Medical Center Arterial Blood Gas Laboratory Receives Accreditation

Firelands Regional Medical Center’s Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Laboratory, under the direction of Medical Director Christopher Avendano, has been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent onsite inspection. In 2017, more than 20,000 laboratories enrolled in proficiency testing (PT) programs through CAP, and just over 8,000 laboratories worldwide were granted their accreditation, Firelands Regional Medical Center ABG Laboratory being one of those facilities.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, 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 preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, as well as the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, in addition to the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

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. More information about the CAP can be found at www.cap.org.