CDH Lab Earns Accreditations

NORTHAMPTON — Last year, Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Laboratory processed more than 875,000 lab tests. These tests are critical because vital diagnostic information can be learned about a patient from a blood test or a tissue biopsy.

In late November, two independent organizations, the American Assoc. of Blood Banks (AABB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP), each announced that Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Laboratory had successfully met or exceeded standards set by these national organizations.

The AABB accreditation demonstrates that Cooley Dickinson’s Laboratory staff are collecting, processing, testing, distributing, and administering blood and cell products that comply with AABB standards, the Code of Federal Regulations, and other federal guidance documents.

“Cooley Dickinson has sought AABB accreditation because this program validates and promotes a level of professional and technical expertise that contributes to quality performance and patient safety,” said Catherine Reed, director of Laboratory Services.

Of the other recognition, Dr. Lisa Glantz, pathologist, said CAP accreditation “goes above and beyond regulatory compliance to achieve the highest standards of excellence that positively impact patient safety. Cooley Dickinson is among the more than 7,500 laboratories that meet the standards of the world’s most rigorous accreditation program.”

The accreditation are effective through August 2014.