Distribution is to all registered laboratories and Quality Management Offices in the medical treatment facilities. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense, or the Departments of Army, Navy or Air Force. CAP, unlike the CLIP office, also requires a Curriculum Vitae for all newly designated laboratory directors. As laboratories are downsizing, questions have risen about the appropriateness of downgrading CLIP registrations from high to moderate complexity. When determining a laboratory's complexity, keep in mind that complexity is not based on the size of the facility.
Complexity is determined by the analytes being tested and the methodology being used.
If a laboratory tests for even one analyte classified as highly complex, then the laboratory must remain registered as highly complex. If the downsized laboratory does indeed meet criteria for moderate complexity, proficiency testing and accreditation are still required for compliance with CLIP standards. For the latest information on the complexity of tests, see the following website. Below are discussions on some of the more common questions we have received. POCT sites do not have to be under the directorship of the laboratory.