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IAC Newsletter

Q) Can I submit documents via email attachments?
A) No. The ICACTL is unable to accept email attachments.

Q) In what format can the attachments be submitted?
A) The ICACTL is able to accept electronic attachments in any of the following formats:
.rtf, .doc, .jpg or .jpeg, .txt, and .pdf.

Q) What are the guidelines for shipping documents?
A) If shipping attachments, remember to send two copies. Before submitting, you will select the “Conclusion” button at the end of the Application Questionnaire. This will provide you with a list of all the documents you are submitting. You will then need to print the document cover page to send with the material to the ICACTL.

Q) What are the deadlines for submission to the ICACTL?
A) The deadlines to submit are December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1. Online applications must be submitted by 12:00 a.m. EST.

Q) How long will it take me to go through the process of completing and submitting an application?
A) The new Online Accreditation format has dramatically increased the efficiency by which laboratories are able to work on and submit their applications. However, the amount of time it takes a laboratory to complete an application is variable and based on several factors which include the number of staff members, prior implementation of the ICACTL required policies, and the variety of testing performed in the laboratory.

Q) How can the process of completing the application be accelerated?
A) The process can be accelerated by collecting necessary supporting documents and editing or updating your laboratory’s policies and procedures before beginning work on the application. Other helpful hints for working on your laboratory’s application can be found through the ICACTL’s online webcast series, Accreditation On Demand, at www.icactl.org/icactl/community/ondemand.htm.

Q) If I feel that there is information that may need clarification prior to submitting the application, how do I convey this?
A) Prior to the Conclusion page, there is a comments section entitled “Additional Clinical Information” appearing near the end of the navigation tree. Please use this area for explanations in instances where a comment box is not provided within the body of the application. Please be sure to clarify the specific section you are referencing.

Q) Once I have submitted my online application, when do the sample case studies and any additional paper attachments need to be received by the ICACTL office?
A) Laboratories shipping sample cases and paper attachments must send these materials in accordance with the corresponding application deadline (first business day of December, March, June, and September). Ideally, the shipping of attachment materials should occur the same day you click the final “Submit” button.

In the Conclusion section, the user is informed of any unanswered questions or incomplete items in the application.

Q) Will the ICACTL continue to accept application submissions in the paper format?
A) The previous application format, as provided on CD, will be accepted through the December 1, 2008 application deadline. Following December 1, only applications submitted using Online Accreditation will be accepted.

Q) What happens to the application once it is submitted?
A) The majority of the application is saved when the user navigates away from a question. Upon clicking the final “Submit” button, your application is automatically stored in a secure site. The application is frozen during the course of the review; however, users will be able to access the application content after the final application review is complete. The prior application submission information will remain for review and editing at the time of reaccreditation.

Q) What are some of the reasons accreditation is delayed?
A) Some of the most common reasons for delayed accreditation are failure to submit required documentation, incomplete reports, and poor image quality. Please be sure to review your application thoroughly before final submission to the ICACTL.

Q) What can I do to assure that my lab will be granted ICACTL accreditation?
A) It is important to remember that the ICACTL does not restrict accreditation to the “perfect” CT facility. Rather, accreditation is based on a policy of substantial compliance with The ICACTL Standards. It is crucial that laboratories understand the significance of the Standards and take the time to carefully review this document, instituting necessary changes to their operations before beginning work on the application.

Results

A complete and accurate application is paramount in ensuring successful accreditation. Following the steps outlined above and making sure you have answered the application questions completely and accurately gives your laboratory a greater chance for positive results, demonstrating your laboratory’s commitment to quality patient care.