Abstract
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves over 300 reproductive laboratories in four countries. The goal of CAP is to improve laboratory conditions for the patient and the personnel who work in the laboratory. CAP accomplishes this goal through proficiency testing and inspections. Qualified inspectors will arrive, at a prearranged time, to inspect a laboratory. They will review procedure manuals, inspect reagents, instruments and equipment, and verify calibration of instruments/equipment. In addition, they will inspect the laboratory to insure the safety of the patients, their gametes, and the safety of the laboratory personnel. A summary report will be generated by the inspectors as to their findings with written reports given to the laboratory director and to CAP. It is through such organizations as CAP that the quality of patient results and the safety and well-being of the patient and the laboratory personnel have been improved over the years.