Omega receives CAP accreditation for forensic drug testing of hair

Sep 22 2010

Omega Laboratories, Inc. today announced that it has received accreditation for forensic drug testing of hair from the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).  During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors carefully review the laboratory's records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years, as well as the laboratory's equipment, facilities, safety program and record. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications and the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory clients. Omega Laboratories is only one of two laboratories in the world to receive this prestigious accreditation for drug testing in hair.

"In the past Omega has received accreditation from CAP for urine testing, but we have shifted our focus to utilize our expertise in hair testing," said Dr. John Vitullo, CEO of Omega Laboratories.  "We were pleased to see CAP has responded to the increasing demand for hair testing and added it to its accreditation program.  This accreditation is one more way Omega maintains its position as an industry leader."

"We are especially proud of the CAP accreditation," continues Dr. Vitullo, "because it specifically covers all facets of the hair testing laboratory procedure, including screening, extraction and confirmation."  This detailed examination of the testing process also included a complete review of Omega's hair wash procedure for removing external contaminants.

The addition of CAP accreditation further positions Omega Laboratories as a worldwide leader in hair testing for drugs of abuse.  Omega's qualifications include:

• ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Accreditation - Currently the only drugs of abuse laboratory in the United States with this accreditation.
• ISO/IEC 17025 Forensic Quality Services (FQS) – Special designation for forensic/court testing.
• FDA Clearance - Proven capability to obtain voluntary clearance of screening assays.
• Certification by other industry groups such as CLIA and New York State Department of Health.
• Proficiency Testing – Participation in Society of Hair Testing (SOFT), German Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (GTFCh) hair testing proficiency programs.