Enrollment into PT program by Ernest

To attain CAP accreditation, the laboratory must first enroll itself in a formal proficiency testing (PT) program. Some laboratories may be required to be inspected 3 times a year such as Centers for Medi-care/aid Services (CMS). [1]

If a laboratory fails to enroll in PT, it will receive a Proficiency Testing Exception Summary (PTES). Failure to enroll will require the lab to document corrective actions and required to perform off-cycle PT or an alternative assessment to maintain accuracy. [2]

For tests that CAP does not require enrollment to PT, the lab must perform an external assessment to ensure reliability of the test. [2]

References

[1.] College of American Pathologist - Applying for Laboratory Accreditation. Retrieved on 15 June, 2008 from http://www.cap.org/apps/cap.portal?_nfpb=true&cntvwrPtlt_actionOverride=%2Fportlets%2FcontentViewer%2Fshow&_windowLabel=cntvwrPtlt&cntvwrPtlt%7BactionForm.contentReference%7D=laboratory_accreditation%2Fapplying_accreditation.html&_state=maximized&_pageLabel=cntvwr

[2.] College of American Pathologist - Laboratory Accreditation Program. Retrieved, 15 June, 2008 from http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/laboratory_accreditation/2008_pt_enrollment_guide.pdf

By Ernest Lim
TG01
Word count: 100 (without citation)
Handed in on 15 June 2008