BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – United Hospital Center’s main and blood gas laboratories have been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent onsite inspection.
The laboratories' director, Gerald T. Wedemeyer, M.D., was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. The main and blood gas laboratories at UHC is one of more than 7,700 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.
“This award only further validates the high quality standards in place at UHC,” Dr. Wedemeyer said. “It is an honor to be nationally recognized again for providing excellent laboratory services.”
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.
During the CAP accreditation process, 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 laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.