Amherst Pediatrics recognized for laboratory services

Amherst Pediatrics' office laboratory has again met all criteria for laboratory accreditation by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey which was conducted in June. The Amherst Pediatric Lab has earned COLA accreditation as a result of a long-term commitment to provide quality service to their patients.

Amherst Pediatrics is an eight pediatrician practice located at 25 Hopkins Road in Williamsville. A resident of Williamsville, Dr. Albert J. Maggioli is the Lab's director/consultant. Katie Roncone is the head laboratory technician and is responsible for educating medical assistants in lab technique and monitoring quality control.

Having their own office lab allows the group to test their patients for streptococcal throat and skin infections, influenza, and infectious mononucleosis. All three utilize rapid tests having results in five to 15 minutes. They are also able to do urinalyses urine cultures, hemoglobins to check anemia, and blood sugars.

The capability of in-house testing allows for rapid diagnoses and saves time for patients who might otherwise need to go to an outpatient lab.

Dr. Maggioli also notes the importance of being able to rapidly diagnose influenza, allowing the possibility of treatment for the patient of prophylaxis for at risk contacts. Amherst Pediatrics has been offering this rapid flu test for many years.

COLA is approved by the federal government and sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the American Osteopathic Association.