National recognition has been bestowed upon the laboratory at St. Luke's Health-Memorial.

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the Laboratory at St. Luke’s Health-Memorial. The recognition follows an on-site inspection which is part of the CAP’s accreditation programs.

The Laboratory at St. Luke’s Health-Memorial is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. "St. Luke's Health-Memorial Lufkin takes pride in being able to provide state of the art laboratory testing for our patients and community.  Our laboratory is equipped with some of the most advanced testing platforms available, and staffed with an experienced and knowledgeable team,” said Dr. David Todd, Medical Director. “Achieving this accreditation involves meeting and exceeding rigorous ongoing standards set forth by the College of American Pathologists." 

“We appreciate all of the hard work that Dr. David Todd and our team did to attain and sustain this most prestigious award, said Monte Bostwick, Market President/CEO, St. Luke’s Health-Memorial.  “Our lab is instrument in the success of our daily operations. Our team works tirelessly, especially during this time of the coronavirus pandemic to provide compassionate, quality care to our patients and their families.”

The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program as being equal-to, or more-stringent than the government’s own inspection program. The Accreditation Program started in the early 1960’s.

During the CAP accreditation process inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

Laboratory Director, Wendy Tylich, says the accreditation underscores the hospital’s commit to healthy communities. "I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead such an amazing laboratory team, and to be able to provide the range of testing we have available to our patients.  We have been blessed to be part of a healthcare system that cares so deeply about our patients and our communities." 

PHOTO CUTLINE: Laboratory Director, Wendy Tylich, says the accreditation of the Laboratory by the College of American Pathologists, underscores St. Luke’s Health-Memorial’s commit to healthy communities and to providing quality healthcare closer to home.

About St. Luke’s Health-Memorial

St. Luke’s Health-Memorial, part of a national nonprofit health system, provides more than a quarter of a million patient services and millions of dollars in local charity care and community support each year.  With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston and San Augustine, Memorial offers comprehensive, quality health care, including an off-campus emergency center and outpatient facilities and services. To learn more, visit StLukesHealthMemorial.org.

About CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health™ is committed to building healthier communities, advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable, and innovating how and where healing can happen—both inside our hospitals and out in the community. CommonSpirit was created by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health as a single ministry in early 2019.

Our commitment to serve the common good is delivered through the dedicated work of thousands of physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and staff; through clinical excellence delivered across a system of hospitals and other care centers covering 21 states, and accessible to nearly one in four U.S. residents; and through more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits, and government program services.

About the College of American Pathologists

As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the CAP ANNUAL REPORT at cap.org.