ORISE beryllium laboratory recertified by College of American Pathologists for eighth consecutive time in 14 years

July 20, 2023

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has accredited the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Energy beryllium laboratory in Oak Ridge for the eighth time since the laboratory’s first accreditation in 2009.

The laboratory is one of only three nationwide that performs the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test. This test determines if a patient has developed a sensitization to beryllium, which could evolve into chronic beryllium disease. Exposure to the lightweight metal is often encountered by inhaling beryllium dust particulates in an industrial workplace setting.

The biannual CAP accreditation process requires an onsite inspection of all procedures and processes as well as the laboratory’s records. During this process, inspectors thoroughly examine staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and records, and overall management. They follow lab personnel through each stage, from unpacking the blood specimens through the processing of these samples to the final analysis to determine if any of the samples show a sensitization to beryllium. 

“The CAP accreditation program remains one of the most stringent lab certification programs recognized by the federal government, and we are proud to have maintained our accreditation for the past 14 years as we continue to provide excellence in beryllium testing,” said the laboratory’s technical director, Donna Cragle, Ph.D.

College of American Pathologists

As the leading organization with more than 18,000 board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. The CAP’s Laboratory Improvement Programs currently have customers in more than 100 countries, accrediting 7,700 laboratories and providing proficiency testing to 20,000 laboratories worldwide.