5 Things To Look For When Choosing a Laboratory
You might need a laboratory’s services for many reasons, such as drug testing for a company or establishing a partnership. Technology keeps evolving, offering new and better options for common practices that will deliver more accurate results.
Deciding between laboratories could be challenging, especially when they can deliver similar results promptly. Here are some things to look for when choosing a laboratory to help you make an informed decision.
Work Experience
Working with professionals with the right experience will have positive outcomes no matter what services you are looking for. Learning about the lab technicians’ years of experience and past and current projects will help you decide if they are the right lab for your business. An established laboratory will have at least five years of consistent work and continuous development.
Turnaround Times
Time is of the essence with laboratory procedures, especially when the results could impact a person’s life. Ask about their turnaround times for different tests to determine if the lab is a good fit. The times will vary depending on the specific test. Blood test results, which are the most common, should take around 20-30 minutes. Results from other tests, such as urine sampling and drug screenings, should take no longer than a day.
Innovative Technology
Laboratories must constantly update their processes to deliver better results and maintain a consistent work volume and delivery schedule. New technologies, like RIM applications for laboratory equipment, will deliver faster, more accurate results while enhancing protection levels. Innovative technology, such as automation, analysis processing, and electronic communication, will reduce turnaround times with more reliable results.
Excellent Customer Service
When a business has the right technology and processes but lacks customer service, it can hurt its customer retention and satisfaction ratings. Review customer and employee testimonies before choosing the best laboratory to partner with. Additionally, your interactions with staff members will tell you everything you need to know about a lab from the moment you make the first contact, from attention to detail to overall knowledge.
Size and Location
Depending on urgency and proximity, two important factors for an ideal laboratory partnership are the size and location of the lab. The size will determine the type of procedures and equipment a laboratory can complete successfully. The location will determine the available resources for certain practices and their delivery timetables.