Selecting Among Analytical Research Labs

During the search for an analytical research lab, many different factors must be considered in order for the right choice to be made. Your needs may closely mimic someone else’s, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically contract with the same laboratory. To ensure you make the selection that is right for you and your project, consider the following questions. If you can answer all of them in the affirmative, you’ve likely found an analytical research laboratory that meshes well with your expectations.

Questions to consider when selecting among analytical research labs include:

• How qualified are you to handle my particular research demands? If the laboratory professionals have never taken on a project like yours, it may not be in your best interest to serve as a guinea pig. Conversely, a laboratory that is used to dealing with research demands like yours is an obvious frontrunner.

• Can you handle my timeline? If your analytical research timetable is short, be up-front about that when you interview representatives of analytical research laboratories. A short turnaround demands absolute openness. However, just because you need results quickly, that does not mean that you will want to bow out of the research process. You will likely want to be informed as progress is made.

• How in depth is your research? If your project does not demand ongoing research, you may be fine contracting with a laboratory that is only equipped to do your singular project and then is done. You may need ongoing research to ensure quality control, however, and if that is the case, you will need to quiz the research laboratory representatives on their ongoing capabilities.

• May I have a list of your references? Take this list and be proactive. Call at least a few of the clients listed and ask them about their experience with the analytical research lab. Don’t be shy about asking if there was anything they did not care for. You will likely find that people are very open about their experience.

Good luck in your search as you narrow down your list of analytical research labs. Asking the questions we’ve shared with you above should help you navigate the myriad of choices, and should give you peace of mind regarding your final decision. Many analytical research labs exist that are extremely thorough and reputable; it’s up to you to find the best of the best.