For Immediate Release

December 12, 2005

Mercy Memorial Lab Receives National Accreditation

Ardmore—Mercy Memorial Health Center’s laboratory was recently accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is a world-wide inspection program in which inspectors examine a lab’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff’s qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management. This stringent inspection program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for lab patients.

“We’re very proud to receive this accreditation. Our staff has worked very hard to earn this, and they will continue to develop procedures to provide exceptional care for our patients,” said Kirk Hastings, Mercy Memorial lab director. “This is something that we are constantly preparing for. This is our bi-annual report card, if you will.”

CAP is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists, and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance.

Mercy Memorial Health Center is a member of Mercy Health System of Oklahoma and the Sisters of Mercy Health System. ###