OWATONNA, Minn. 7/17/2018 — The Allina Health laboratory at Owatonna Hospital was recently accredited by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
“We are extremely proud to receive CAP accreditation,” says Sandra Otterbein, manager, Allina Health laboratory at Owatonna Hospital. “It assures our patients that they are receiving the best care possible.”
Over 70 percent of the objective information used by doctors to make problem-solving decisions consists of medical laboratory test results. Laboratory tests help determine the presence, extent or absence of disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
“Laboratory testing is at the heart of an individual’s health care journey." Adds Otterbein about the accreditation, “it ultimately validates that we provide quality test results that allow physicians to deliver high quality care.”
The US government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, which began in the 1960s, as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. The national accreditation is based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.
During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the previous two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record and overall management.
The Allina Health laboratory at Owatonna Hospital also received this honor during the last inspection in 2016. This honor makes Owatonna Hospital one of more than 7,600 CAP-accreditation facilities worldwide.
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A not-for-profit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 10 hospitals / 13 campuses, 15 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services.