Rutgers Cancer Institute Shared Resource Receives Accreditation

New Brunswick, N.J., October 15, 2018 – The Biospecimen Repository and Histopathology Service shared resource at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs.

The Biospecimen Repository and Histopathology Service shared resource is one of 63 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. The Biospecimen Repository and Histopathology Service at Rutgers Cancer Institute is a cancer center-managed shared resource offering biorepository and histopathology services to both internal and external investigators. The service supports transdisciplinary and translational research through cost-effective, quality controlled tissue collection, biospecimen procurement and processing, and cancer clinical trial support. It utilizes state-of-the-art technologies for tissue analysis coupled with professional interpretation by board-certified pathologists.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine a 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.

“This accreditation is a testament to our team’s daily efforts and dedication to upholding CAP guidelines in keeping with the mission of Rutgers Cancer Institute to ensure the highest standard of care for biospecimens,” acknowledges service Director Chen Liu, MD, PhD, who is chair and professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

“The highest level of accountability is required when handling biospecimens. By striving to uphold CAP guidelines at each step of the way, our team is ensuring best practices are being followed at all times,” adds Parisa Javidian, MD, co-director of the service and associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

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

The Biospecimen Repository and Histopathology Service shared resource offers services to both internal and external investigators. For more information or to request services, visit: http://www.cinj.org/research/biospecimen-repository-and-histopathology-service.

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