MAH Laboratory Receives Perfect Score in Recent Inspection
Medical Arts Lab Department celebrated their lab inspection perfect score by hosting a lunch gathering for MAH employees where homemade delicacies from the Philippines were served. Back row from Left: Lab Manager, Brian Wilkie, Merenda Pellizzari, Carl Guevara Front row from left: Pressy Tiongson, Stella Guevara, Rowena Dimaulatan, Theresa Arellano, and Arvetta Hall.
On Wednesday, October 3rd, members of Medical Arts Hospital's Lab department completed a grueling and detailed inspection from COLA, the premier clinical laboratory accreditation organization, with a perfect score. A total of 401 components of the lab were evaluated. Each component received a 100% score.
Experienced inspector, Debbie Nelson, observed 103 components related to Medical Arts blood banking facilities and procedures, citing 100% compliance. Her inspection also observed 298 components of general lab quality. The lab passed this portion with a perfect score as well. Nelson's inspection comments stated that this lab is "Outstanding, Very Organized, Excellent Policies and Procedures." She also commented to the staff that the laboratory files were "the best she's ever seen."
A COLA inspection generally takes two days to complete. Nelson stated that because of the excellent organization and preparation of MAH's lab, the process was completed in one day. Preparation for a COLA survey and inspection is lengthy and detailed with a great deal riding on the scores. COLA has the authority to "shut down" a lab if it does not score well.
MAH Lab Manager, Brian Wilkie, expressed pride in his team stating, "It just feels good that all the hard work that everybody has done is paying off. We hit a homerun." Wilkie credits the lab's success to teamwork, which he describes as working as a "happy family". The MAH lab has been working toward this inspection for two years. Wilkie especially mentioned two team members, Steve Garcia and Kristi Perez, who are no longer with the lab, but contributed greatly to this recent success.
Letha Hughes, MAH Chief Operating Officer, reports receiving a personal call from the inspector, Debbie Nelson. Hughes recounts that conversation, "It was remarkable that a COLA inspector made the effort to call me personally to tell me she believes we have one of the best labs in Texas. We already knew our lab was top notch, but it's wonderful when confirmed by such a reputable accrediting organization."
COLA is a physician-directed organization whose purpose is to promote excellence in laboratory medicine and patient care through a program of voluntary education, consultation, and accreditation.
COLA was founded in 1988 as a private alternative to help laboratories stay in compliance with the new Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). In 1993, the Health Care Financing Administration (now CMS) granted COLA deeming authority under CLIA, and in 1997 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) also recognized COLA's laboratory accreditation program.
Melissa Matlock
Director, Community Relations
Ph: 872-5727 ext. 333