How to Choose the Best Contract Analytical Laboratory to Support Your Company or Project

It can really be a daunting task to find the right laboratory partner for your company as there are literally thousands of laboratories providing a broad range of support for everything from engineering, to pharmaceuticals to food and agricultural products.  The internet can make the search easier, but it can also increase the confusion.

Some of the things you may want to consider and some questions you might want to ask when interviewing a potential laboratory partner:

Overall experience level of employees:

• What is the average tenure of employees at the lab?
• What is the average experience level of lab employees?
• Is there ongoing employee training and industry involvement?

For example see http://www.eplbas.com/index.php/2012-12-02-22-20-37/icons-2

What is the history of the company?

• How long has the company been around?
• Do they have experience doing the type of work you need performed?
• Do they have the background to understand your industry and specific needs?
• What is the size and capacity of the lab?
• Where is the lab located and what are the turnaround times?

For example see http://www.eplbas.com/index.php/2012-12-02-22-13-06/template

What analytical tools and methods are used by the lab?

• Does the lab use screening tools like NIR and test kits or do they use primary reference methods?
• Do they have the latest technology?
• Do they "validate" methods used in the lab against your specifications?

For example see http://www.eplbas.com/index.php/zoo/technology-tour

Does the lab have experience with your matrix or sample type?

For example see http://www.eplbas.com/index.php/2012-05-03-00-11-60 

What quality standards are implemented?

• How are results reported?
• Does the lab comply with required regulatory or other certifications?

Does the lab customize analytical support or provide only routine analyses?

• Does the lab comply with required regulatory or other certifications?
• What processes are used to facilitate communication and partnership?
• How transparent is information between organizations?

For example see http://www.eplbas.com/index.php/joomla/customized-research-support

Fortunately...there are no wrong or right answers to these questions, for example a start-up lab may be a perfect solution for your needs if they have previous experience, a good communication process and the right equipment.  A routine lab may be the best solution if you only need standardized results using non-primary methods and a very quick turnaround time.

I bet you thought I forgot price?  Not really, although that is often the first consideration, it should really be the last question, because if the lab cannot meet your needs, the price is irrelevant.  There are many really great labs, so do your homework and you are sure to find a laboratory that will become a great partner to your organization.

Please follow the link below if you are interested in EPL analytical services.  We would be happy to talk with you about how we might meet your testing needs.
http://www.eplbas.com/index.php/2012-12-02-22-13-06/warp5