The laboratory’s director was advised of their national recognition and congratulated for the ‘‘excellence of the services being provided.” DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic and Arlington Annex Laboratory is one of the more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

The laboratory accreditation program, begun in the early 1960’s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. 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.

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. CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.

DTHC lab director is Col. Dale K. Block, lab manager is Paula Damron, MT (ASCP) and lab technicians are Spc. Britton Hildebrandt, Spc. Anastacia Wilburn, Spc. Kenneth Woodland, Charles-Miller Wabeno and HM3 Cristina Lucaterodiaz.

(From a College of American Pathologists news release.)