Chongqing - "Applying for China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) accreditation is the general trend," said Xiao Hualiang, Director of the Pathology Department at Daping Hospital.

Xiao added that in addition to providing patients with more precise and efficient pathological diagnostic services, obtaining CNAS accreditation is a comprehensive recognition of the disciplinary strength, quality management, and data standardization level of applying institutions.

Daping Hospital recently obtained accreditation from the CNAS. It is the first public hospital in the southwestern region and the 15th nationwide to receive CNAS accreditation.

CNAS is an accreditation body established and designated by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the P.R.C. It is responsible for implementing accreditation work for certification bodies, laboratories, inspection bodies, and other organizations.

Obtaining the CNAS accreditation means that the pathological diagnostic reports issued by Daping Hospital in compliance with CNAS quality management standards will be recognized by over 100 countries and authoritative institutions worldwide. 

The examination results will be mutually recognized, eliminating the need for patients to undergo repetitive tests. 

CNAS promotes conformity assessment bodies to strengthen their development by the requirements of applicable standards and specifications.

Pathology reports aligning with international standards

With the rapid advancement of modern medical diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, the standards and norms for diagnosing various systemic diseases are constantly evolving. 

There is significant variation in the pathological diagnostic reports issued by different hospitals and pathologists, leading to increased uncertainty in treatment plans and even potential medical accidents resulting from improper treatment. 

Pathological diagnosis serves as the Gold Standard for diagnosing malignant diseases. The CNAS accreditation of Daping Hospital's pathological diagnostic reports signifies that it has established a quality management system in line with international standards and that the provided pathology report results meet international requirements.

"My father has been diagnosed with lung cancer, and I want to transfer him for treatment abroad," said Ms. Gao, a family member of the patient. "With this diagnostic report issued within the international standard system, the treatment process will be more convenient."

Integrated into the international mutual recognition system

CNAS holds a significant position in international accreditation activities, and its accreditation activities have been integrated into the international mutual recognition system. 

Currently, CNAS has signed mutual recognition agreements with Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC）.

The signing of these agreements forms an Express for Chinese institutions, laboratories, inspection bodies, and related organizations to participate in international activities. By obtaining CNAS accreditation, these institutions and laboratories can connect with other signatories of the agreements, thereby obtaining broader recognition.

Not only can it enhance communication between relevant institutions and laboratories and their international counterparts, but it can also leverage the advantages of mutual recognition to attract more customers and reduce costs.