College of American Pathologists renews accreditation of beryllium laboratory managed by ORAU

The College of American Pathologists, or CAP, has renewed its accreditation of the Beryllium Laboratory managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

Located in Oak Ridge, the laboratory is one of only four in the United States certified to perform the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test. This test helps to determine if a person has developed sensitization to beryllium, which could evolve into chronic beryllium disease also known in the past as berylliosis. Inquiries regarding the test and how to access lab services can be sent to [email protected].

In its notification, CAP congratulated the laboratory’s director,  ORAU Vice President Donna Cragle, for the “excellence of the services being provided.”

“Attaining accreditation again is a major accomplishment that is the direct result of the continuing hard work and dedication of our lab team,” Cragle said. “Every day, our highly skilled team, led by our lab manager Linda Nichols, delivers the highest level of quality and meticulous attention that our customers have come to expect from this facility.”

In 2011 and 2012, the period covered by the CAP assessment, the laboratory processed nearly 10,000 tests. Since operations began in 1992, the laboratory has processed more than 55,000 tests. This is the laboratory’s second recertification since receiving its initial CAP accreditation in 2009.

The federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as a rigorous inspection program. The beryllium laboratory managed by ORAU is one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.

During the CAP accreditation process, which is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the laboratory’s staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

The College of American Pathologists, celebrating 50 years as the gold standard in laboratory accreditation, is a medical society that serves more than 18,000 physician members and the global laboratory community. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of board-certified pathologists and is the worldwide leader in laboratory quality assurance. The college advocates accountable, high quality and cost-effective patient care. More information about the CAP can be found at www.cap.org.