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COLA Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA Inc.) In 1993, COLA was granted deemed status by CMS to provide laboratory accreditation.

is a leading physician-directed organization promoting health and safety through accreditation and educational programs with over 98% customer satisfaction. As a leading laboratory accreditor in the United States, COLA is the only laboratory accreditation provider that operates its accreditation program in accordance with a quality management system certified to ISO 9001:2015. This means we offer our customers a unique, standardized program and staff dedicated to satisfaction and laboratory quality. Our surveyors and technical advisors are guided by a coaching approach and uncomplicated quality engineered processes. Laboratories of all types and sizes are evaluated and mentored to produce accurate test results and meet CLIA regulations.

Connect with COLA staff at the DNV Healthcare Symposium in Wisconsin, October 26–29!Stop by to learn more about COLA’s l...
10/21/2026

Connect with COLA staff at the DNV Healthcare Symposium in Wisconsin, October 26–29!

Stop by to learn more about COLA’s laboratory accreditation services, including our ISO accreditation programs, and discover how we can support your laboratory’s quality and compliance goals.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Happy Healthcare Quality week! Join us in honoring the dedicated professionals who work in Healthcare Quality & Safety t...
10/20/2026

Happy Healthcare Quality week! Join us in honoring the dedicated professionals who work in Healthcare Quality & Safety to ensure high-quality care and patient safety. Quality matters! Celebrate the week with complimentary webinars, resources and more from .

Did you know COLA currently offers accreditation services for ISO 15189 and ISO 20387?ISO 15189: Quality and Competence ...
10/16/2026

Did you know COLA currently offers accreditation services for ISO 15189 and ISO 20387?

ISO 15189: Quality and Competence for Medical Laboratories
ISO 20387: Biotechnology and Biobanking General Requirements

Our ISO services are designed to support organizations looking to demonstrate quality, competence and a commitment to internationally recognized standards.

Have a question about COLA’s ISO services? Ask us!

Learn more about our ISO services here: https://hubs.ly/Q04BnkG10

October is Biosafety and Biosecurity Month!Biosafety is essential in all laboratories, which is why COLA focuses not jus...
10/14/2026

October is Biosafety and Biosecurity Month!

Biosafety is essential in all laboratories, which is why COLA focuses not just on accreditation but promotes health and safety through education as well.

Season 3 of COLA’s podcast, “Talk Lab to Me” is now live!This exciting first episode features Rex Famitangco MSc, MASCP,...
10/14/2026

Season 3 of COLA’s podcast, “Talk Lab to Me” is now live!

This exciting first episode features Rex Famitangco MSc, MASCP, MLS(ASCP)cm QLCcm, IFBA PC, RBP(ABSA), who currently serves as Director of Laboratory Services at Morrill County Community Hospital in rural Bridgeport, Nebraska.

Rex oversees a COLA-accredited Critical Access Hospital laboratory that was the first Critical Access Hospital laboratory to achieve ASCP’s Leading Laboratory designation.

Whether you're considering pursuing Leading Laboratory recognition, currently on the journey or wondering what distinguishes a truly leading laboratory from one that simply meets the baseline, this conversation offers practical insights, candid lessons and advice from someone who has lived it.

https://hubs.ly/Q04B6vj_0

💬 What is COLA staff looking forward to at LEF 2027?For some, it’s the opportunity to connect.“Our conference stands out...
10/09/2026

💬 What is COLA staff looking forward to at LEF 2027?

For some, it’s the opportunity to connect.
“Our conference stands out because of its more intimate environment. Attendees can build genuine connections, participate in meaningful discussions and interact with presenters in a way that’s often hard to do at other events.”

That’s what makes the Laboratory Enrichment Forum special. A conference where you’re not just another attendee, you’re part of the conversation.

See yourself at LEF 2027!
📍 Lexington, Kentucky
📅 May 4–6, 2027

COLAs CEO Nancy Stratton spoke today at Clinical Lab 2.0’s annual Colloquium as the board liaison to the Education/Certi...
10/08/2026

COLAs CEO Nancy Stratton spoke today at Clinical Lab 2.0’s annual Colloquium as the board liaison to the Education/Certification Committee. Clinical Lab 2.0 and specifically the Education/Certification Committee is an initiative to educate and unite healthcare providers, laboratorians and public health experts.

Have a story, idea or expertise to share with the laboratory community? COLA is accepting session and workshop proposals...
10/08/2026

Have a story, idea or expertise to share with the laboratory community?

COLA is accepting session and workshop proposals for the 2027 Laboratory Enrichment Forum until October 10!
We’re looking for engaging, practical educational content from laboratory professionals and industry experts on topics including:
Laboratory science & clinical trends
Regulatory compliance & accreditation
Leadership & organizational culture
…and more!

Presenters can choose from a variety of engaging formats, including presentations, panels, workshops and mini sessions.
👉 Submit your proposal by October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Learn more and submit your proposal:
https://hubs.ly/Q04zzTHf0

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether it’s a genetic test for high-risk mutations or a biopsy confirming dia...
10/07/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Whether it’s a genetic test for high-risk mutations or a biopsy confirming diagnosis, patients depend on the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of laboratory results.

Learn more here: https://hubs.ly/Q04zspN20

Join COLA’s COO Kathy Nucifora and our Director of Business Development, Jeannie St. Pierre, tomorrow at CIHQ’s Accredit...
10/06/2026

Join COLA’s COO Kathy Nucifora and our Director of Business Development, Jeannie St. Pierre, tomorrow at CIHQ’s Accreditation Summit Day 2!

Stop by to learn more about our laboratory accreditation services, including our ISO accreditation programs and discover how we can support your laboratory’s quality and compliance goals.

Address

9881 Broken Land Pkwy Ste 200
Columbia, MD
21046

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5am
Tuesday 9am - 5am
Wednesday 9am - 5am
Thursday 9am - 5am
Friday 9am - 5am

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