The laboratory at Sparta Community Hospital has once again achieved full accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) following a recent on-site inspection. CAP accreditation is a voluntary certification awarded every two years to laboratories that meet high standards for quality, safety, and accuracy. This recognition is considered a leading standard in laboratory medicine and requires an extensive peer-based review process.
Joann Emge, CEO of Sparta Community Hospital, stated, “Most people don’t think about what happens behind the scenes in the lab, but the lab plays a critical role in nearly every healthcare decision made. This recognition reflects the care, accuracy, and attention our team puts into each test. It’s a great example of Believe in Better—and it’s reassuring for our patients and something our staff and community can be very proud of.”
During the CAP inspection, all aspects of laboratory operations were evaluated, including testing procedures, documentation practices, equipment maintenance, quality controls, and staff training. The goal is to ensure that patients and healthcare providers can rely on accurate and safe test results.
The hospital’s laboratory operates 24 hours a day and supports inpatient care, emergency services, outpatient testing, and clinics throughout its service area. Board-certified pathologist Dr. Olaronke Akintola-Ogunremi directs the laboratory in partnership with BJC HealthCare–Christian Hospital.
Sparta Community Hospital serves southwestern Illinois as a critical access facility and provides various health services such as emergency care, surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, imaging, lab work and rehabilitation. The hospital also offers mobile clinics and patient-focused programs to support community health through locations including Coulterville, Marissa and Steeleville. According to its official website, Sparta Community Hospital aims to enhance community well-being by delivering compassionate and cost-effective healthcare.
“This continued accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to Believe in Better—by investing in quality, holding ourselves to the highest standards, and delivering care our community can trust, right here at home,” Emge said.
More information about Sparta Community Hospital’s laboratory services can be found on their website.
