Berkeley Medical Center Lab receives accreditation from College of American Pathologists

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – The main laboratory at WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

The laboratory’s director, Jeffrey A. Stead, M.D., was recently advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Berkeley Medical Center’s laboratory is one of more than 7,700 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960’s, 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, a team of inspectors examines the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the proceeding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, laboratory facilities and equipment, the safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory.

“This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients,” Dr. Stead stated.  

In addition to Berkeley Medical Center’s main lab, the CAP team also inspects the blood gas lab in respiratory therapy, which falls under the hospital’s main lab license. This, according to hospital officials, is a very rigorous and detailed inspection.