SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crescendo Bioscience, a molecular diagnostics company developing and commercializing quantitative, biology-based tests for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases, today announced that it has received accreditation from the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) based on the results of an on-site laboratory inspection. The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government's own inspection program. This announcement follows the recent laboratory permit issued by the New York Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) to Crescendo Bioscience.
"Test quality and performance are paramount to Crescendo Bioscience and we are pleased that CAP has recognized this with its critical accreditation," said William A. Hagstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crescendo Bioscience. "Our experienced medical and scientific teams have developed a highly accurate and precise multi-biomarker blood test, Vectra® DA, which measures disease activity in RA by integrating 12 key proteins consistently associated with RA's biology into one single, objective and quantitative score. With the recent approval in New York State, Vectra DA is now available in all 50 states to help physicians make more informed patient management decisions. This CAP accreditation further validates our test and state-of-the-art CLIA lab."
The CAP inspection process is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all patients. CAP inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. In addition, staff qualifications, laboratory equipment, and the facilities' safety program and record, as well as the overall laboratory management are also examined.
About the College of American Pathologists
As the leading organization for board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. With more than 18,000 physician members, the CAP has led as the gold standard in laboratory accreditation for 50 years with more than 7,300 CAP-accredited laboratories in 50 countries. Find more information about the CAP at cap.org.
About Vectra® DA
Vectra DA is the only multi-biomarker blood test for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity that simultaneously integrates 12 key proteins consistently associated with RA disease activity into a single objective score to help physicians make more informed treatment decisions. Vectra DA testing is performed at Crescendo Bioscience's state-of-the-art CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) facility and test results are reported back within 7-10 days of receipt of sample. Physicians can either receive test results via standard mail or fax or via the private web portal, VectraViewTM. For more information on Vectra DA, please visit, www.Vectra-DA.com.
About Crescendo Bioscience®, Inc.
Crescendo Bioscience is a molecular diagnostics company focused in rheumatology and located in South San Francisco, CA. Crescendo Bioscience develops quantitative, objective, biology-based tests to provide rheumatologists with deeper clinical insights to help enable more effective management of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.CrescendoBio.com.