Blood gas laboratories, like all laboratories operating under CLIA, need to ensure that they have qualified personnel in the CLIA defined roles. Many respiratory therapists only have an associates degree so they are not qualified to fulfill the technical consultant role as defined by CLIA because it requires a four year degree. Recently the CAP observed that CMS is citing blood gas labs for not having appropriate personnel during their validation inspections, as Dr. Earle Collum outlines in this CAPcast interview.

For more information, visit please visit Accreditation Resources on CAP.org (https://capatholo.gy/2tLQzN6) or call CAP Technical Specialists at 800-323-4040.