Opting in, getting help, submitting documents,
and more

CAP Today

July 2009
Feature Story

I have never used e-Lab Solutions. How do I begin?
If your laboratory has not established a lab account on e-Lab Solutions, call the CAP customer contact center at 800-323-4040 for your PIN and instructions for opting in.

I use e-Lab Solutions for proficiency testing and downloading custom checklists. How will I access the online application?
If you are already using e-Lab Solutions and are an administrator, you will automatically have full security access to the online application. The administrator will need to grant appropriate access for other e-Lab Solutions users in your laboratory.

If I submit online, will I also need to submit paper?
You will have the option of submitting data changes online or mailing/faxing paper documents. You should not do both.

What if I submit information by mistake, and how do I contact the CAP if I need help with the online application/data maintenance?
After you submit your application or changes, your laboratory will be in data maintenance mode for the online system. You can submit additional changes or corrections at any time. You can also send an e-mail message to accreditationonline@cap.org or call the CAP at 800-323-4040. Use the same e-mail address and phone number if you need help in completing the application.

My laboratory’s older computer is still operating on Windows 2000. What types of computer systems will CSS work with?
The online application/data maintenance system works with the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Mac OS X v 10.4.x (PowerPC), and Mac OS X v 10.4.x (Intel). You will also need Flash Player 9 or later, and Acrobat Reader 8 or later. For browsers, you may use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Firefox 2.0.0.1 or later, or Safari 3.0.3 or later.

How will the documents the CAP requires with the application, such as the CLIA certificate and the director’s curriculum vitae, be submitted using the online system? What if we don’t have the documents electronically or the ability to convert them to an electronic format?
The online application/data maintenance system allows you to attach documents for submission to the CAP. Alternatively you can print a coversheet and fax your documents, but a comment will need to be entered online to notify the CAP that the required document will be faxed or mailed.

I distribute the application to the different areas of the lab to be completed. Is there a mechanism to do this using the online system? And can every supervisor opt in and see the online application, or is it available only to the administrator?
The online application/data maintenance system has multiple levels of security: view only, edit, and approve/submit. You assign access to appropriate members of your laboratory’s staff and determine their level of security. You can also optionally use the system’s “ready for review” and “approved by reviewer” flags to track the application’s completion.

Will the changes I make to my test menu using the online system modify my CAP proficiency testing orders or analyte selection report?
No, you will need to contact the CAP to modify your PT order or analyte selection report.

Why is it important for our laboratory to update our information at times other than during our reapplication?
As an accredited laboratory you are required to notify the CAP of changes related to the director, laboratory location, ownership, and test menu. Even if you are not required to submit a change, you may also find it is easier to keep your laboratory’s information up to date rather than have to make all your changes when you are completing your application. Updating the CAP on administrative personnel changes allows for better communication of information to your laboratory.

Are the test menu and notification change forms necessary if I can make my changes online?
If you choose to make your laboratory data changes online, you will no longer need to use the test menu and notification change forms.

Will the online application have the same look (flow) as the paper copy?
You will provide the same information in the online application as you have with the paper application. Any data the CAP has on file will be prepopulated. When you complete the online application, you will provide general laboratory information (addresses, administration, licensure, hours of operation) and information for the inspection (blackout dates, security information, hotel recommendations). You will also provide information on your section units/laboratory departments such as supervisors and tests performed. You will complete personnel forms for your administrative staff, pathologists, and supervisors. And your director will complete the director qualification and terms of accreditation forms. Finally, you will provide appropriate attachments such as instrument lists, curriculum vitae, and copies of CMS certificates.