UM Charles Regional Laboratory Receives Two Agency Accreditations

The University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM CRMC) received AABB and College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditations, based on results of a recent on-site inspection.

"These accreditations are not easily earned, and our staff received glowing praise from the surveyors on their professionalism, their attention to detail, competency and documentation. Our goal is to provide every patient with the best care in the safest environment possible, and these accreditations confirm we are on the right path," said UM CRMC Vice President of Ancillary Services, Bill Grimes. "We are very proud of our laboratory staff and their successful completion of the CAP and AABB assessments."

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 procedural quality control for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government's own inspection program. UM CRMC joins more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

The AABB Accreditation follows an intensive, on-site assessment by trained AABB assessors, and establishes that the level of technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds AABB's standards. AABB's Accreditation Program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products.

UM CRMC is one of several facilities located throughout the United States and around the world that also have earned AABB Accreditation.