Committed to balancing the changing needs of the nuclear medicine, the nuclear cardiology and PET communities with those of the general public, the ICANL was created by uniting physicians and technologists from the sponsoring organizations. Collectively these individuals created The Standards, an extensive compilation of documents defining the minimal requirements for nuclear medicine and nuclear cardiology laboratories to provide high quality care. Routinely revised by the ICANL Board Of Directors to reflect current practices, The Standards are used by laboratories as the foundation to create and achieve realistic quality care goals.

ICANL accreditation is an educational process, not a pass-fail exam.

The process begins with a comprehensive self-evaluation by laboratory staff. Completion of the application for accreditation requires information on all aspects of laboratory operation as well as the submission of actual case studies for review. After the application is submitted to the ICANL, it undergoes a confidential peer-review by the ICANL's trained reviewers, including physicians and technologists, before a final decision is made by the Board Of Directors.

The ICANL does not restrict accreditation to the "perfect" nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, or PET facility.

Rather, accreditation is based on a policy of substantial compliance with The Standards. The ICANL provides guidance to assist the laboratory in meeting the requirements of The Standards.