GRMC Laboratory Receives Coveted CAP Accreditation

(Tuesday, October 19, 2021; Dededo, Guam) Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is proud to share our Laboratory was reaccredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The CAP Accreditation Committee has been reviewing other laboratories during their visit, including GMH. This is the GRMC Laboratory’s third time to receive accreditation from the prestigious CAP.

“Our laboratory has performed at the highest level of excellence and being reaccredited by CAP for the third time is the best recognition of their hard work,” said Dr. Alexander Wielaard, Chief Medical Officer.

Part of the accreditation process involves an in-depth, on-site inspection by the Accreditation Committee, which examines the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and records, and the quality control of laboratory procedures. This year, due to COVID constraints, the inspections were conducted virtually via the internet. The inspectors also review laboratory staff qualifications and overall management.  GRMC’s Laboratory received high marks in all areas.

“I am very proud of our team,” said Laboratory Manager Ernestine Melecio, “We treat our responsibilities in the laboratory with the utmost respect. Providers and patients rely on our results to make critical decisions about care. It is an honor to have our efforts recognized by the CAP.”

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is considered equal-to or more-stringent-than laboratory inspection programs conducted by the US federal government. GRMC’s Laboratory is also accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, or CLIA, which regulates all laboratory testing done on humans under the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS).

“Our Laboratory continues to make us proud with their outstanding commitment to safety, quality, and excellence,” said GRMC President/CEO Dr. Michael Cruz, “GRMC is very proud of our Laboratory team and the example they represent of GRMC’s core values and our mission to be Guam’s center of excellence for all healthcare needs.”