Adherence to quality and care CAP accreditation sets the standard for laboratory testing

For any nation focused on secure sustainable landscape, research plays an important to maintain international standards and a high quality of life. This is one among many reasons laboratories in the UAE and across the world focus on adherence to stringent regulations.

Armed with integrated solutions since 1946, the U.S.-based College of American Pathologists (CAP), introduced a reliable framework for organisations involved in pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. It functions as a guide to foster and advocate excellence in the practice, and aims to standardise the quality of laboratories and their services.

From basics such as protective gear to equipment and workspace, the CAP accreditation scores organisations based on a variety of factors and ensures that they keep up with top standards.

With a checklist of requirements, laboratories and related establishments are subject to rigorous tests based on scientific disciplines.

With the UAE on route towards becoming an eco-friendly nation centred on digital trends, the accreditation assists in improving the quality of imports to the country. As the content of each consumables and devices in the UAE are subject to testing, CAPaccredited laboratories could help curb the import of toxic substances that may pose a threat to consumers.

Compliance holds a number of benefits, not only for consumers but laboratory establishments as well. By meeting certain requirements guided by scientifically endorsed standards, labs can maintain the accuracy of test results, ensure precise patient diagnosis and improve their value in line with their company objectives.

From a medical perspective, the accreditation offers organisations exclusive courses, such as the peer-based CAP Laboratory Accreditation Programme, that ensures the highest quality laboratory testing within the country. This in turn strives to give patients, pathologists and public the best facilities and care, while mitigating risks and controlling costs.

To date, over 7,000 laboratories are accredited around the world by CAP. In the UAE, the National Reference Laboratory, which is a leader in laboratory quality and one of the largest networks of its kind in the Middle East, holds gold standard in laboratory accreditation. Its Dubai laboratory first received accreditation in 2011, and since then continued to build on a credible foundation.

Similarly, with a dedicated yearly review along with adherence to guidelines, many laboratories across the UAE have successfully implemented the highest quality of care and service. It further defines workflow and improve focus on patient safety.