The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Laboratory Accreditation Program.

“WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory demonstrates leadership, innovation, and a passionate commitment to standards of excellence while providing the highest quality services, ultimately for patients,” said Richard M. Scanlan, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP’s Council on Accreditation. “The CAP congratulates WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory on its recent CAP accreditation.”

WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory is one of two specialty oral pathology laboratories in the United States to achieve CAP accreditation, joining the University of Minnesota Oral Pathology Laboratory.

“This accreditation represents our commitment to the highest standards of patient safety and best practices in laboratory operations,” said Laboratory Director Mark Mintline, DDS.

Multiple WesternU stakeholders were essential to the establishment of the laboratory, including College of Dental Medicine (CDM) leadership, the Office of the Provost, the Office of Compliance, Facilities and Physical Plant, Environmental Health & Safety, Web Services, and Information Technology. Key contributors to the project at the CDM included Dr. Elizabeth Andrews, Dr. Steven Friedrichsen, Anna Enriquez, Diana Reina, Suzanne Adolphson, Dr. Alexander Lee, Ryan Balber, Dr. Brent Fung, Dr. James Borke, and members of the Advanced Oral Diagnostic Workgroup.

CAP is a worldwide organization of board-certified pathologists that serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of research and laboratory medicine. CAP accreditation is awarded to pathology and research labs that represent the highest standard of care and research. Currently, CAP accredits approximately 8,000 laboratories worldwide.

The accreditation program uses a peer-inspection model that ensures laboratories meet required standards from Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as well as maintain the accuracy of test results and patient diagnoses. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory is part of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California. The laboratory delivers high-quality oral pathology diagnostic services that are crucial to outstanding patient care. More information about the WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory can be found at https://www.westernuhealth.com/services/oral-pathology/.