University Hospital Sharjah laboratories gain CAP accreditation

The University Hospital of Sharjah (UHS) has announced that its laboratories have been accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This latest achievement reaffirms the hospital’s unwavering commitment to providing the best medical laboratory services and histology examinations according to international standards of quality and efficiency, as well as enhancing its leading position as a healthcare provider in the region.

UHS said that the accreditation is a confirmation of the quality of services by UHS’ medical laboratories provided by well-trained and qualified medical staff with extensive experience in delivering accurate results and effective treatment. The laboratories are also equipped with the latest medical equipment, machines, and modern techniques to perform the most complex medical examinations, foremost of which is histology, which is based on examining a thin slice of tissue under the light of the microscope or using an electron microscope.

Dr. Noura Ali Al Khayal, Director of Laboratory Departments at the University Hospital in Sharjah said: “Obtaining this accreditation strengthens our leadership in providing the best medical and laboratory services to meet the needs and satisfaction of our patients and clients. It also reflects our success in following up on patients’ medical concerns, and immediately attending to their concerns in accordance with the best global medical practices. Furthermore, the accreditation also recognizes the compliance of our facilities with general medical safety requirements, in line with our commitment to protect our medical staff and employees from chemicals, radiation and other occupational risks that they may be exposed to.”

She added: “The CAP accreditation is similar to the global ISO accreditation, which considers participation in the peer-based program as one of its main requirements. The process entails receiving samples for all departments of the laboratory within the next six months, after which, we analyze the results and compare them with those issued by participating laboratories from around the world. This will give us a clearer picture of the performance of our laboratories, as well as the capabilities of our medical staff in providing medical care and carrying out complex yet accurate tests. We also seek to serve the largest possible number of patients soon with the help of our highly efficient automation system, which enables our laboratories to receive a large number of samples, moving from 1,400 samples per day to approximately 10,000 samples per day. In addition, we also expand our medical contributions to the community by giving practical training for medical students at the University of Sharjah.”

The University Hospital of Sharjah aims to raise the bar of medical services in the emirate and the UAE by providing a range of innovative and advanced medical services. The Pathological Tissue Department analyzes samples taken by doctors during biopsies, which include tumors, to determine whether they are benign, malignant, or their current stage of development. Meanwhile, UHS’ Biochemistry Department analyzes blood minerals, salts, fats, sugar levels, HbAIc, and other blood components to determine the patient’s health condition.

Dr. Ali Obaid Al Ali, CEO and member of the Board of Trustees at the University Hospital of Sharjah said: ‘We are keen to apply the highest international standards in our services not only for the sake of obtaining an accreditation certificate but also to provide our patients and medical staff with the highest guarantee of protection and safety. This also enhances client satisfaction reports, which guide our future strategies and improvements.”

University Hospital Sharjah’s laboratories were opened in 2011 with a number of departments that caters to various needs including biochemistry, immunology, pathology, sample receiving, and outpatient. UHS is considered one of the top innovative laboratories in the GCC and is open to serving 24/7.