Accreditation bodies (like College of American Pathologists)

Accreditation bodies, such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), are organizations that evaluate and certify laboratories and healthcare facilities to ensure they meet high standards of quality, safety, and accuracy. They set rigorous guidelines for laboratory practices, equipment, personnel qualifications, and safety protocols. When a lab is accredited, it has demonstrated compliance through thorough inspections and testing. This helps ensure that patients receive reliable results and high-quality care. Essentially, accreditation bodies act as independent overseers that verify laboratories operate effectively and consistently to protect patient health.