Hidalgo County Health Lab achieves CAP accreditation success

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Public Health Laboratory in Edinburg, Texas, has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) following a recent on-site inspection.

This accreditation is recognized globally as a mark of quality, ensuring that the laboratory meets the highest standards for accuracy, reliability, and patient safety. The accreditation allows the laboratory to perform more testing in-house, enhancing the speed and precision of public health responses in the county.

"CAP accreditation is considered the gold standard for lab quality worldwide. We are proud and excited to receive this recognition," said Dr. Martha Luna, director of the Hidalgo County Public Health Laboratory.

"Achieving this accreditation is a true mark of excellence and demonstrates our commitment to providing our community with the highest quality laboratory results," said Lab Manager Veronica Cuate, who played a central role in the accreditation process.

Hidalgo County Public Health Laboratory Receives Accreditation from the College of American Pathologists. Photo courtesy: Hidalgo County

The Hidalgo County Public Health Laboratory operates a certified BSL-3 facility, capable of conducting tests in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, chemistry, hematology, and mycobacteriology. These capabilities are crucial for supporting patient care and public health efforts, including disease surveillance and outbreak response.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors reviewed the laboratory's records, quality control procedures, staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety programs, and overall management. These reviews ensure that laboratory practices reflect the most up-to-date standards and support the highest level of care.

Hidalgo County Health Department Director Dairen Sarmiento Rangel emphasized the importance of the accreditation, stating, "It means we can do more of our testing in-house, instead of sending samples out. Faster, accurate results make a real difference in how quickly we can respond and care for our residents."

The CAP accreditation of the Hidalgo County Public Health Laboratory marks a significant achievement, enhancing the laboratory's ability to provide timely and accurate health services to the community. This recognition underscores the dedication and expertise of the laboratory team in maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

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