PBMC Laboratory Accredited by
College of American Pathologists

Penobscot Bay Medical Center Main Laboratory has been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. The nation's highest standard in laboratory operations must be met to achieve this accreditation.

During the CAP 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.

"Every one of the laboratory staff works every day to provide the best care possible for patients," said Dana Goldsmith, Vice President, Medical Affairs, PBMC. "This significant accreditation and national recognition is an important acknowledgment of their efforts. It also shows the community that PBMC provides quality results for accurate diagnoses."

The lab collects specimens and performs in a timely and accurate manner a wide variety of laboratory analyses, the results of which are used by physicians for diagnosis and treatment of their patients at the hospital and throughout the community.

Sonia Tomic is the lab's medical director. The 42-person laboratory staff includes pathologists, medical technologists, histologists, cytologists, laboratory assistants and phlebotomists.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation 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. PBMC is now one of 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

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. The CAP is an advocate for high quality and cost-effective medical care.
 Sonia Tomic, medical director, main laboratory, PBMC.