SARASOTA, Fla. – Sarasota Memorial’s Laboratory earned re-accreditation from the College of American Pathologists this month following a rigorous on-site survey and numerous accomplishments and critical services provided during a challenging year.
SMH was in the final phases of implementing an automated microbiology system and new bacterial identification and sensitivity system when the first patient from the Suncoast region tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020. Little did the SMH team know they would complete a record 4 million-plus lab tests that year while introducing critical new testing platforms to identify patients infected with COVID-19. The department has continued to set all-time monthly records in 2021.
"It has been one of the most challenging, but also most rewarding years," said SMH Lab Director Harold Vore. "Approximately 70 percent of clinical decisions are based on laboratory test results, so ensuring prompt, reliable results is our team’s No. 1 priority. Throughout the pandemic, their accuracy, precision and timeliness never wavered."
The re-accreditation notification came the same week the lab completed its 100,000th molecular PCR test, a noteworthy achievement considering SMH had no in-house COVID testing capabilities when the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in March 2020. Since then, SMH has added six molecular testing instruments to the laboratory.
About Sarasota Memorial
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional referral center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with more than 1 million patient visits each year. Its flagship 839-bed, acute-care hospital has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s largest and best, with superior patient outcomes and complete continuum of care – from trauma, emergency and urgent care services to laboratory and diagnostic imaging, home health, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. SMH is the only hospital in Florida to have consistently earned the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ highest 5-star quality award since the rating system launched in 2016.
About CAP Accreditation
CAP accreditation is awarded to facilities that meet the highest standards of excellence in quality laboratory practices. During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.