New Rochelle, NY – Sound Shore Medical Center’s (SSMC) Main Laboratory recently received confirmation of its ongoing accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This achievement marks the 47th year of continuous accreditation for SSMC and distinguishes it as a laboratory with one of the longest records of CAP-accreditation in New York State. In addition, it is a member of an elite group of only 7,000 College of American Pathologists-accredited laboratories worldwide. In conferring the national recognition, the College of American Pathologists congratulated Sound Shore Medical Center’s director, Remedios G. Pana-Sarmiento, MD for “excellence of the services being provided”.
The CAP accreditation process involves an unannounced, day-long, on-site inspection of the laboratory’s standard operations as well as quality assurance procedures for the previous two years. In addition, inspectors examine and evaluate staff qualifications, laboratory equipment, facilities, safety program and safety record as well as the overall laboratory management. Started in the 1960’s, this stringent program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for laboratory practices. It is considered the leader in laboratory medicine quality assurance and recognized by the Federal government as equal to or more demanding than their own inspection program.
In commenting on the ongoing distinction, John R. Spicer, President and CEO of Sound Shore Medical Center said, “The College of American Pathologists is widely considered the leader in laboratory accreditation.” He continued, “We are pleased to join the select group of laboratories who meet their rigorous standards.” He concluded, “A strong laboratory medicine component is vital to our success in providing high-quality healthcare to individuals living in our community and beyond.”
Sound Shore Medical Center is proud of the work its laboratories and Blood Bank perform. In addition to in-hospital procedures and patient services for physician offices and home visit testing, SSMC is one of only two hospitals in Westchester County who meet the stringent requirements of and are authorized by the New York State Department of Health to conduct blood drives. For more information on sponsoring a blood drive or to donate blood for the exclusive use of SSMC patients, call the Blood Donor Coordinator at 914.365.3664.
For more information about Sound Shore Medical Center’s main laboratory, please contact Alan Jones, Laboratory Manager at 914.365.4635. For prompt, personal referral to one of Sound Shore Medical Center’s internists or specialists, please call MDs-LINE (914.637.5463) or visit www.ssmc.org today.