MGH Blood Bank and Labs Receive AABB Accreditation

Marion Health's blood bank has received accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). The voluntary accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment (performed every two years) and establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the hospital meets or exceeds the standards set by the AABB.

The Marion Health blood bank joins more than 1,700 similar facilities across the United States and abroad that have earned AABB accreditation.

Other areas of Marion Health laboratory services also received accreditation. Based on the results of an on-site survey, MGH's main lab and the stat lab at MGH Medical Oncology were granted accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

Widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance, CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care. Marion Health joins more than 7,000 accredited labs nationwide.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the lab's records and quality control procedures for the proceeding two years. Inspectors also examine the entire lab staff's qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management of the lab. The stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for lab patients.

"We are proud to announce that we have once again met the accreditation standards of the AABB and CAP," says Connie Woods, administrative director of laboratory. "It verifies the hard work and dedication of our staff and physicians." Both accreditations are valid through March 1, 2012.