Pathology News Roundup: June 6, 2024

First CAP Accreditation in Australia. The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the first laboratory in Australia, LifeStrands Genomics in Melbourne.

Staff at LifeStrands Genomics in Melbourne. Photo courtesy of the CAP.

“This milestone signifies a significant regional achievement, as LifeStrands Genomics Australia is the first laboratory in Australia to receive CAP accreditation,” says CAP President Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP. “The CAP congratulates LifeStrands Genomics Australia on its commitment to quality and excellence in the field of pathology.”

Since established in the early 1960’s, the CAP’s Laboratory Accreditation Program has been recognized as the global leader in improving the quality of laboratory services using established performance standards. “By undergoing CAP accreditation, we ensure compliance with internationally recognized standards, which not only enhances the credibility of our laboratory but also assures our referring clinicians and researchers of the reliability and accuracy of our services,” says Lifestrands’ Medical Director and Molecular & Anatomical Pathologist Vivek Rathi MD, MHSc, FRCPA.

During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, 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.

“LifeStrands Genomics Australia chose CAP accreditation because of its esteemed reputation and recognition within the industry,” says Dr. Rathi.

The achievement of CAP accreditation not only validates LifeStrands Genomics Australia's dedication to excellence but also emphasizes its critical role in advancing the standards of laboratory practice in Australia. This recognition not only strengthens the laboratory's reputation but also enhances trust among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

“CAP’s rigorous standards align perfectly with our laboratory’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality and excellence in genomic testing,” says Dr. Rathi.

See, Test & Treat Program Accepting Applications Soon. The application process for CAP members wishing to secure grants to hold See, Test & Treat programs in 2025 opens in late June.

See, Test & Treat is a free, pathologist-led cancer screening and health education program that brings the power of diagnostic medicine to medically underserved populations with the goals of:

• Addressing health disparities by reducing barriers to care for medically underserved people through health care system partnerships.
• Empowering prevention by delivering dignified cervical and breast cancer screenings—with same-day or prompt results—with a focus on health education.
• Connecting communities by linking patients and their families to a medical home and resources within their own communities.

In a single-day, culturally appropriate program, women receive a pelvic and clinical breast exam, a Pap test with same-day results, a screening mammogram with same-day or prompt results, connection to follow-up care, interpretive services, impactful health education, and translated educational materials to take home.

The See, Test & Treat grant process begins with the Request for Applications (RFA) period. The RFA period for 2025 will be from June 28 to September 3, 2024. All applications must be submitted through the CAP Foundation's online portal. 

Funding is open to CAP members in partnership with a 501(c)3 non-profit organization(s) to support programs taking place in the U.S. To apply for a grant, applicants must have the ability to screen at least 50 women per program and the ability to support the four core program components. They must have a committed pathologist leader who is also a member of the CAP. The pathologist leader must be part of the on-site health care team providing services at the See, Test & Treat program.