LSTM’s Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory (CDPL) has, following a recent inspection, maintained its Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA). The lab, which was first accredited in 2013, is one of the few non NHS diagnostic labs to have CPA accreditation, which is the industry standard and gives customers the opportunity to use labs that can provide a standardised and reliable referral service.
The team in the CDPL examine an average of 4000 clinical samples a year referred from NHS trusts and private clinics throughout the UK as well as clinics across Europe. It can provide diagnostic testing for a full range of human parasitic infections including Malaria, Filariasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloides, Hydatid, and African trypanosomiasis.
Jayne Jones, CDPL Laboratory Manager, said: “CPA accreditation may not yet be mandatory for a clinical diagnostic referral lab, but over the last 10 years it has become the standard of excellence that customers look for and evidence that we provide a quality diagnostic parasitology service for our users throughout the UK and Europe. We are delighted that we have been able to maintain our accreditation.”
Now a part of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the CPA’s method of accreditation is changing. “Accreditation is difficult for non-NHS laboratories and the team worked hard to achieve and maintain our accredited status.” Continued Mrs Jones: “Our next assessment in 2016 will be against ISO standards, and we look forward to meeting that challenge during what is an exciting time for the CDPL.”