New Brunswick, N.J. – The Biospecimen Repository and Histopathology Service shared resource at Rutgers Cancer Institute 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.
About Rutgers Cancer Institute
As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, along with its partner RWJBarnabas Health, offers the most advanced cancer treatment options including bone marrow transplantation, proton therapy and CAR-T cell therapy. Along with clinical trials and novel therapeutics such as precision medicine and immunotherapy – many of which are not widely available – patients have access to these cutting-edge therapies at Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Brunswick, Rutgers Cancer Institute at University Hospital in Newark, as well as through RWJBarnabas Health facilities.
Along with world-class treatment, which is often fueled by on-site research conducted in Rutgers Cancer Institute laboratories, patients and their families also can seek cancer preventative services and education resources throughout the Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health footprint statewide. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute, call 848-932-8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving.
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.
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