CRMC Lab Earns Three Accreditations

February 2020

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s laboratory was recently accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) on January 11 and the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) on January 16.

“These accreditations showcase the competence and dedication to high quality work of our laboratory staff,” said Kerry Ruadil, CRMC Laboratory Director.

Each accreditation includes a checklist to ensure the lab is proficient in quality management, specimen collection, water quality and the quality of collecting, processing and testing blood products.

CAP accreditation helps laboratories maintain accuracy of test results, ensure accurate patient diagnosis, manage changes in laboratory medicine and technology and exchange best practices with pathology and laboratory professionals. This level of accreditation can sometimes be stricter than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.

AABB accreditation assesses the quality and operational systems in place within a facility. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.

“The CAP accreditation is the assessment of the entire laboratory operation and is a stamp of excellence in laboratory medicine services,” Ruadil said. “The AABB accreditation specifically assesses the blood bank department of the laboratory to ensure that we are able to achieve and sustain the highest possible level of quality patient and donor care as it relates to transfusion medicine services.”

On February 12, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s lab also earned accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The Joint Commission’s standards include, but are not limited to organization, customer focus, facilities and safety, equipment and process management.

“This means that the lab is adhering to and is compliant with the rigorous standards and best practices that governs the practice of laboratory medicine, assuring our patients that they are getting the most accurate and reliable results,” Ruadil said.