Quality Assurance
What QA Means
PA Labs has a well defined Quality Assurance program with specific indicators within each section to monitor service and accuracy, and with special studies instituted to address specific issues. This is an ongoing program monitored by the quality assurance manager for compliance with federal, state, and accrediting agency standards and integration of information obtained from clients and patients.
Quality Standards
The quality standards in place in the laboratory match those set forth by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). These standards are monitored for compliance by the PA Labs' Quality Assurance Assessment program. The laboratory is licensed and/or accredited by The College of American Pathologists (CAP), Health Care Financing Administration's (HCFA) Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 (CLIA '88), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).
- CAP ID# 16957-01
- CLIA ID# 15D0647657
- FDA 1870298
- AABB Membership #5580
Proficiency Testing Program
The CLIA '88 require laboratories to enroll in a proficiency testing program. This program assesses the laboratory's ability to accurately process and assay specimens. PA Labs participates in the CAP's Laboratory Accreditation Program and subscribes to its Quality Probe (Q-Probe) Program as well as its Proficiency Testing Program.
In 2005, PA Labs was challenged with 3,985 proficiency testing challenges. Of the 3,985 challenges, 3,976 were determined to be accurate (99.8%). The CLIA '88 require laboratories to enroll in a proficiency testing program. This program assesses the laboratory's ability to accurately process and assay specimens. PA Labs participates in the CAP's Laboratory Accreditation Program and subscribes to its Quality Probe (Q-Probe) Program as well as its Proficiency Testing Program.
HCFA administrators of CLIA '88, have determined that a score of 80% is required to maintain accreditation. PA Labs is proud of its exceptional scores as a successful indicator of its dedication to accurate laboratory testing. Our proficiency scores are available upon request