Medical Genetics Laboratory Receives Accreditation

July 12, 2006

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The medical genetics laboratory at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the medical center’s records and quality control procedures for the previous 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 medical center. This stringent inspection program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for the medical center’s patients.

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.

Wake Forest Baptist’s Medical Genetics Laboratory is one of more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

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Media Contacts: Diane Stephens, (336) 716-6906, dsstephe@wfubmc.edu; Shannon Koontz (336) 716-2415, shkoontz@wfubmc.edu; or Karen Richardson (336) 716-4453, krchrdsn@wfubmc.edu.

About Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center: Wake Forest Baptist is an academic health system comprised of North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. It is licensed to operate 1,187 acute care, psychiatric, rehabilitation and long-term care beds and is consistently ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report.

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