Lab earns accreditation Published June 13, 2007 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler Medical Center's pathology and clinical laboratory flight has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists. The accreditation is based on the results of an onsite inspection conducted by a team of eight laboratory professionals April 30. The team found zero discrepancies after reviewing more than 2,000 regulatory requirements. Col. Steven Putbrese, 81st Medical Operations Squadron pathology and clinical laboratory flight commander, called the inspection results "a total team effort." The laboratory is led by Colonel Putbrese and medical director Col. (Dr.) Daniel Smith. "As an internationally-sanctioned organization and recognized by the Joint Commission, the CAP laboratory accreditation program is the only one of its kind that utilizes teams of practicing laboratory professionals as inspectors," Colonel Putbrese noted. "This is a significant accomplishment by a dedicated laboratory team." "The goal of the program is to improve patient safety by advancing the quality of pathology and laboratory services through education and standard setting and ensuring laboratories meet or exceed regulatory requirements," said Master Sgt. Glenn Dewgarde, flight noncommissioned officer in charge. "The accreditation makes Keesler part of an exclusive group of more than 6,000 laboratories worldwide that have met the highest standards of excellence." The 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, according to the news release announcing the accreditation. During their accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff's qualifications, the laboratory's equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory's patients. The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. According to the news release, the organization is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.