MASSENA -- By demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Massena Memorial Hospital Laboratory has once again earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. The award of accreditation is for two-years.

“I congratulate the entire lab staff for an excellent survey and for their continued dedication in providing the best lab services in the North Country,” said Robert G. Wolleben, FACHE, chief executive officer. “We sought accreditation for our organization because we want to demonstrate our commitment to patient safety and quality care. We view obtaining Joint Commission Accreditation as another step toward achieving excellence.”

The two-day unannounced survey was extremely thorough, explained Tina Hatch, Administrative Director of Laboratory. The surveyor reviewed all areas of the lab; to include: Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, General Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Point of Care, Histology, Microbiology, Blood Bank, Serology, Phlebotomy, Specimen collection and handling, and Quality Management.

Over the last 12 months MMH laboratory conducted 750,000 lab tests from 250,000 lab specimens from more than 80,000 patients, said an MMH press release.