CAP Resumes US Routine Inspections

Beginning later this month, The College of American Pathologists (CAP) will slowly resume conducting routine inspections for US laboratories. Your health and safety are of utmost importance to the CAP. Due to the current COVID-19 public health crisis, all inspections will be announced and prioritized based on several factors:

• The phase of reopening in the state in which the laboratory and inspectors are located
• COVID-19 outbreaks or hot spot activity in the area the laboratory or inspectors are located
• Other restrictions that may impact an inspection team’s ability to travel for the inspection

If your inspection is late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should have received a letter from the CAP informing you:

• That your laboratory is still accredited
• Of the actions you need to take to maintain ongoing compliance

If you have not received your letter, or need a new copy, contact the CAP at LAPAssignments@cap.org

If my laboratory’s inspection is overdue or we are in our inspection window, how will I know when my laboratory will be inspected?

• TYou will be contacted by your assigned inspection team leader or a member of the CAP assignments staff to confirm:
  • The planned inspection date
  • The number of inspection team members assigned
  • Requirements your facility may have in place for the inspection team
• The CAP will work with your assigned inspection team to complete your inspection as soon as practical and possible.

If my laboratory has not reached my inspection window but will need to be inspected during the COVID-19 pandemic, how will my laboratory be impacted:

• The CAP will work with your assigned inspection team to complete your inspection within your inspection window as practical and possible.
• You will be contacted by your assigned inspection team to arrange the details of the inspection
  

International inspections

The CAP has postponed most scheduled and requested international laboratory inspections at this time. Some inspections using regional inspection teams may start to occur in areas where this is practical and possible. During this time, impacted laboratories will remain CAP accredited and must continue proficiency testing (PT) participation, when possible, and follow all CAP requirements.

We hear you: The CAP Responds to Your COVID-19 Questions

Make sure to visit cap.org regularly for updates to your COVID-19 questions, including the availability of COVID-19 proficiency testing.

For all the CAP’s COVID-19 related updates, visit COVID-19 Information and COVID-19 Updates.