Ranson, W.Va. – West Virginia University Hospitals-East officials announced today that Jefferson Memorial Hospital’s laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent onsite inspection.
The laboratory’s director, Jeffrey A. Stead, MD, was recently advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Jefferson Memorial Hospital is now one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.
The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.
During the CAP accreditation process, a team of inspectors examines the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the past two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, as well as the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, in addition to the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.
Dr. Stead stated, “Jefferson Memorial hospital is the only Critical Access Hospital in West Virginia whose laboratory has achieved initial CAP accreditation.” 
“This additional JMH laboratory accreditation is a wonderful example of WVUH-East and University faculty physicians working together in both hospitals to improve the health of our community,” commented Konrad C. Nau, MD, vice president of medical affairs at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. “A responsive, reliable, and technically excellent laboratory and pathology team is an essential part of our healthcare system, and is truly valued by our medical staff,” he added.
More information about Jefferson Memorial Hospital can be found at www.wvuh-east.org.
More information about the CAP can be found at www.cap.org.