The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) awarded accreditation recently to Copley Hospital’s Laboratory Services Department based on its recent onsite inspection as part of its ongoing accreditation program. CAP accreditation is a prestigious recognition that signifies adherence to rigorous standards ensuring high-quality patient care.
Copley’s Lab is staffed by a team of phlebotomists, medical lab scientists, and a pathologist. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, processing samples from approximately 3,300 patients per month. Over the past year, the lab provided 352,389 laboratory procedures, demonstrating a commitment to serving the community.
Pictured, left to right, members of Copley’s Lab Department: Kathy Thompson, Dr. Armando Ciampa, Sonya Roberts, Tina Wolff, Haylee Manktelow-Billado, Linda Clark, Hannah Thompson, and Amy Shopland.
“The depth of a CAP inspection really is a testament to Copley’s commitment to high quality testing accuracy,” said Lab Director Amy Shopland. “The lab is a critical component of the hospital because lab results allow doctors and other providers to make recommendations and decisions on treatment for any number of common or uncommon situations.”
Dr. Armando Ciampa is Copley Hospital’s Pathologist. Ciampa says that CAP is the most stringent lab accreditation organization. “Copley’s participation in CAP laboratory accreditation speaks to the commitment of our lab and the hospital to hold itself accountable to a high standard. It requires great team effort. Copley Hospital and the lab staff deserve this recognition for the work they put in every day to make sure our patients’ laboratory needs are met and our clinicians can rely on the lab results.”
During the accreditation process, CAP inspectors examine each laboratory’s records and quality control procedures, including laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety programs, record keeping, and overall management. “These intensive reviews,” Shopland said, “help ensure we continue to provide exceptional service to the communities we serve.”
The College of American Pathologists is a leading healthcare accreditation organization that has spent over 70 years improving and advancing the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine. Its on-site inspection process takes place every two years using CAP accreditation checklists and a self-inspection checklist every other year.