Beryllium laboratory achieves accreditation from College of American Pathologists

The College of American Pathologists, or CAP, has accredited the beryllium laboratory in Oak Ridge for the third time since the laboratory’s first accreditation in 2009. The laboratory is managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

The laboratory is one of only three labs nationwide that performs the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test. This test determines if a patient has developed a sensitization to beryllium, which could evolve into chronic beryllium disease. Exposure to the lightweight metal is often encountered by inhaling beryllium dust particulates in an industrial workplace setting.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. This includes examining staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and records, and overall management. The CAP accreditation program was established in the early 1960s and remains one of the most stringent lab certification programs recognized by the federal government.

In its letter announcing the continued accreditation, the CAP Accreditation Committee congratulated ORAU for its management of the beryllium laboratory and the excellence of the services that are provided.

“Achieving accreditation for the third time is a major accomplishment for ORISE,” said the laboratory’s director, Donna Cragle, ORAU senior vice president. “This undoubtedly reflects the dedication and diligence of the beryllium lab staff. Our customers expect and receive only the utmost quality work from the beryllium lab staff.”

Since operations began in 1992, the laboratory has processed more than 65,000 tests and maintains an error rate of less than 0.25 percent.

Inquiries regarding the test and how to access lab services can be sent to [email protected].

College of American Pathologists

As the leading organization with more than 18,000 board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. The CAP’s Laboratory Improvement Programs currently have customers in more than 100 countries, accrediting 7,700 laboratories and providing proficiency testing to 20,000 laboratories worldwide.

Find more information about the CAP at cap.org.

Follow CAP on Twitter: @pathologists.

ORISE is a DOE institute focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness, and educate the next generation of scientists. ORISE is managed by ORAU.

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