Yokota lab earns prestigious accreditation

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Matt Summers
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  You're in good hands when it comes to the service provided by the 374th Medical Group clinical laboratory, and they have the paper to prove it.

The College of American Pathologists awarded an accreditation, based on a recent on-site inspection, to the medical group laboratory. The lab, noted for "excellence of the services being provided," joins the ranks of the more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

"CAP accreditation assures our beneficiary population that they are receiving quality services just as they would on any stateside base," said Capt. Denise Lennon, 374th Medical Support Squadron clinical laboratory element chief.

The U.S. government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal to or more stringent than the government's own inspection program.

Inspectors examined the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years during the accreditation process. They also looked at the staff's qualifications, the lab's equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory.

"The laboratory staff is very polite and professional," said Master Sgt. Alex Montiel, 374th Airlift Wing Inspector General superintendent. "They really put you at ease."

The laboratory provides analytical services supporting health care providers in the diagnosis of disease, preventive health screening, school physicals, emergency and obstetric/Women Infants and Children services. The staff also provides assistance in legal investigations, such as driving-under-the-influence and pre- and post-deployment screening.


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