CLIA Certified In-house Laboratory

With Board Certified Dermatopathologist

At DASC, our goal to provide comprehensive patient care continues as it at the core of our decision to house an in-house CLIA laboratory.

What is CLIA?

CLIA (the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) was established by the federal government in 1988 for the purpose of setting quality standards for all laboratory testing. A dermatopathologist is a highly trained physician who specializes in diagnosing disorders of the skin under a microscope. The subspecialty of dermatopathology is a combination of both dermatology (the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail diseases) and pathology (identification of diseases microscopically).

In-House Lab FAQs

A CLIA-certified in-house laboratory is a laboratory facility that has obtained certification under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program. This certification ensures that the laboratory meets federal quality standards for conducting diagnostic tests on patient specimens.

CLIA certification is crucial for in-house laboratories as it demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements and ensures the accuracy, reliability, and quality of test results. It helps to safeguard patient safety and ensure the effectiveness of diagnostic testing.

CLIA-certified in-house laboratories can perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, urine tests, tissue analysis, microbiological testing, and molecular diagnostics, among others.

Laboratories become CLIA certified by applying for certification through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and undergoing an inspection to assess compliance with CLIA regulations. The laboratory must demonstrate proficiency in performing tests accurately and reliably.

Benefits of having a CLIA-certified in-house laboratory include enhanced credibility and trust among patients and healthcare providers, improved efficiency in diagnosing and monitoring patient conditions, faster turnaround times for test results, and the ability to offer a broader range of services in-house.

CLIA-certified laboratories must adhere to regulations and guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including quality control procedures, proficiency testing, personnel qualifications, and record-keeping requirements. Compliance with these standards ensures the quality and integrity of laboratory testing processes.

Benefits of Our CLIA In-House Laboratory

Having an in-house CLIA-certified laboratory at our dermatology practice offers several significant benefits:

  • Faster Turnaround Time: With an in-house lab, dermatologists can receive test results more quickly, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment decisions. This leads to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.
  • Convenience for Patients: Patients can undergo diagnostic tests during their dermatology appointments, eliminating the need for additional visits to external laboratories. This convenience enhances the patient experience and encourages compliance with recommended testing.
  • Enhanced Quality Control: Having control over laboratory processes ensures strict adherence to quality control measures, leading to greater accuracy and reliability of test results. Dermatologists can closely monitor testing procedures and address any issues promptly.
  • Customized Testing: In-house labs can tailor testing protocols to meet the specific needs of dermatology patients. Dermatologists can offer a comprehensive range of tests relevant to skin conditions, including biopsies, cultures, and molecular testing for skin cancer and infectious diseases.
  • Improved Care Coordination: Seamless integration between clinical and laboratory services facilitates efficient care coordination. Dermatologists can quickly access and interpret test results, leading to more effective treatment planning and follow-up care.

By choosing a CLIA-certified dermatology practice with in-house laboratory services, you can expect faster, more accurate test results and comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and CLIA certification helps us deliver on that promise.