NORTHFIELD, Illinois — The Austin State Hospital Regional Laboratory in Austin, Texas, began its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in laboratory medicine when Angelyn Smith M.T. (ASCP), helped achieve CAP accreditation on October 26, 1963. The laboratory continues to enjoy 55 consecutive years of accreditation excellence today under the guidance of Susan Pacinda, MD, FCAP.
In addition to maintaining CAP accreditation, the laboratory has maintained an accredited training program in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) since 1956.
Several years ago, an MLS student scanned a peripheral blood smear on a patient from another country. The student alerted the medical laboratory scientist about this unusual finding. The medical laboratory scientist immediately recognized the microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti, which is a human parasitic roundworm that is the major cause of lymphatic filariasis and can lead to elephantiasis if left untreated. This diagnosis was confirmed by thin and thick smears. Continuous participation in the CAP proficiency testing program for parasitology allowed the identification of the parasite. This identification enabled treatment and cure of the parasitic infection.
The staff at Austin State Hospital Regional Laboratory is honored that CAP accreditation has been maintained for more than 55 consecutive years. They proudly display the CAP accreditation mark as a testament to the quality of the laboratory services their personnel provide, as demonstrated time and again during on-site CAP inspections.
About the College of American Pathologists
As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the CAP annual report at cap.org.