Gunnison Valley Health Laboratory Receives CAP Accreditation

Gunnison Valley Health recently announced that their laboratory received accreditation from the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This achievement follows a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Program. Gunnison Valley Health’s laboratory is one of only 8,000 labs worldwide that hold this prestigious designation.

Gunnison Valley Health CEO, Jason Amrich, praised the achievements of the laboratory team.

"Our lab staff have faced numerous challenges and changes over the past two years and have consistently risen to meet those challenges head on,” Amrich said. “This designation highlights the commitment, work ethic and quality this team embodies. I am proud of all they have accomplished and grateful for their service to Gunnison Valley Health and the community.”

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program was started in the early 1960s and is equal to or more stringent than the federal government’s inspection program. It is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients. It includes inspecting the laboratory records, quality of control of procedures for the preceding two years, examining laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and records and overall management. 

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is the gold standard for laboratory excellence. Their program fosters an environment for continuous improvement and patient safety. The program is ever evolving to keep up with the changes in technology which enables the participating laboratories to also keep up with the evolving technology.

Receiving accreditation from the CAP program is a significant achievement and shows the level of commitment for the Gunnison Valley demonstrated by the lab team.

“The Accreditation Committee congratulates you and your entire staff on this achievement as together you provide excellence in laboratory medicine services,” said Kathleen Beavis, MD, Accreditation Committee Chair.

"The Gunnison Valley Health laboratory team strives to ensure safe, quality and efficient laboratory results,” said Gunnison Valley Health Laboratory Manager, Tina Wilson. “This prestigious accreditation is a direct result of the diligence, caring, hard work and perseverance of the Gunnison Valley Health laboratory team. I am proud to be a part of this incredible group of professionals who devote their time and talent to supporting the health of our community.”

The Gunnison Valley Health laboratory serves the entire Gunnison Valley with excellent service. The laboratory receives and processes specimens sent via courier from Crested Butte, Mount Crested Butte, Lake City and Gunnison. In addition, the laboratory works hard to provide rapid and accurate test results for all walk-in patients, outpatients, the emergency room, operating room, Family Birth Center as well as hospital inpatients. In addition to supporting laboratory testing for every service within the health system, the Gunnison Valley Health laboratory supports numerous local providers with patient testing.”

The CAP accreditation is another example of the high-quality service provided locally to all residents and visitors in the Gunnison Valley.