LAS VEGAS: Dr. Bruce Shapiro, founder and Medical Director of The Fertility Center of Las Vegas was recently named an accreditation inspector by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This title is bestowed on reproductive specialists from around the U.S. who've been identified as potential candidates and who subsequently complete the rigorous examination process. Examiners for CAP travel nationwide reviewing assisted reproduction technology (ART) laboratories where delicate and sensitive procedures such as in-vitro fertilization are offered.

Dr. Shapiro, the city's first and only sub-specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, was advised of his commission by CAP in early March, 2000. "I am eager to assist ART practices in assuring the highest levels of patient care to individuals seeking the specialized services of IVF, ICSI and the like." His duties will include examining all aspects of quality assurance in reproductive laboratories, including methodology, reagents, control medical equipment, specimen handling, procedural manuals, reports and proficiency testing, personnel, safety, and the overall management principles that distinguish a quality laboratory.

The accreditation program was inaugurated early in 1993 as a cooperative effort of the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving more than 14,500 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is a voluntary, non-profit organization devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine and biology. ASRM membership includes more than 20,000 clinicians and scientists in the United States and more than 80 other countries.

The Fertility Center of Las Vegas is Southern Nevada's most tenured infertility practice and is internationally respected for its ground-breaking research and success rates.