It took about a year of intense preparation and four months of anxious waiting for the accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to come through. But to everyone in CGH Laboratory Medicine, the arduous journey was well worth every bead of sweat shed and the many sleepless nights chalked up when they received the formal notification in March 2008.

“Having the accreditation distinguishes our lab practices as being equal in standard to all other CAP accredited facilities in the U.S and worldwide. In short, we have attained the requisite international standard,” said Prof Aw Tar Choon, Senior Consultant of Laboratory Medicine, who together with Dr Poh Wee Teng, Head and Senior Consultant of Laboratory Medicine were instrumental in steering the 54-staff team to achieving the accolade.

Several key changes were implemented in the run up to the survey. They included rapid turnaround time for lab results, and having lab manuals and procedures updated and standardised. Collectively, the aim is to provide fast and reliable results to the right patient.

We have arrived.
-Prof Aw Tar Choon

Ms Rosie Ng, Routine Chemistry Supervisor
“The Chinese say that the ancestors plant a tree but it is their descendants who enjoy its shade. About seven years ago, we were informed to form working groups to start with some foundation groundwork on CAP accreditation. Thus, the little seed was sown then.”

Ms Noor Ashraf Ardeefia, Laboratory Supervisor
“Most of the staff were apprehensive as we thought that we were not ready to start on this CAP journey. However, Prof Aw and our Laboratory Manager, Mr Alex Tan encouraged us to change our mindsets and begin the CAP journey bravely with them in 2006. The hospital management also supported us by giving ample resources to the lab for this mandate.”

Mdm Wong Pey Way, Immunology Supervisor
“I was anxious that the CAP inspectors’ questions might be beyond my knowledge and experience. After the interviews and audit, I realised that the effort spent in months of preparation was worthwhile as I could handle all the questions easily and our team had done all that was required. This proves that CGH lab is on par with the best labs.”

Ms Lily Ng, Microbiology Supervisor
“At long last, the quality standard which we have over the years so judiciously implemented and enforced on our staff members has been validated and approved by CAP. We have enjoyed the process and are proud to have made it. We have learned from the CAP audit, and will make every attempt to continue to improve.”

Mdm Phang Lin Chee, Cytology Supervisor
“The CAP checklist facilitated a systematic review and update of all our processes and documentation. Any gaps in the system were quickly addressed, and housekeeping was a major function. Continual adjustments were made to ensure the best outcomes. The whole process was stressful but challenging as we could see the benefits of improving and updating outdated processes. The culture in the lab has changed as a result of going through the process; for example, in the way we practice lab medicine and our approach towards quality and patient safety. In maintaining professionalism, I believe we have attained recognition in the doctors’ eyes.”