In the realm of analytical chemistry, the right laboratory partner can make or break the success of your projects. Whether you’re in academia, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, or any other field requiring analytical chemistry services, finding a reliable and competent laboratory is paramount. Here are five of our top tips to help you navigate the process of choosing the perfect analytical chemistry laboratory partner:
1. Expertise and Experience: Look for a laboratory with a proven track record of expertise and experience in your specific area of interest. Analytical chemistry is a diverse field encompassing various techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
Ensure that the laboratory you choose has experience with the techniques and methodologies relevant to your project.
Here at CLS we pride ourselves on our intensive training programmes and continued development of laboratory scientists. We are based in Ireland and work with Irish, UK and other European clients. We perform analyses as per BP, pH EUR, and USP monograph.
2. Quality Assurance and Accreditation: Quality assurance is critical in analytical chemistry to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results. Seek laboratories that adhere to rigorous quality assurance standards and are accredited by reputable organizations.
CLS is GMP licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other CLS accreditations include ISO 9001, ISO 17025 (108T), and ISO 15189 (400MT).
3. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Facilities: Analytical chemistry is heavily reliant on advanced instrumentation and equipment. Choose a laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate and precise analyses. Verify that the laboratory maintains its equipment regularly and follows proper calibration and maintenance procedures. Additionally, assess the laboratory’s capacity and scalability to accommodate your project’s requirements, especially if you anticipate future expansions or large-scale analyses.
CLS have a wide variety of laboratory equipment required for testing (for example raw materials and release testing) to meet all your needs within a single provider, matching your methods and parameters given your specific product and market requirements.
Regarding capabilities, if you are conducting analytical chemistry testing, might you also need microbiology testing? CLS offers both – more information on some of our microbiology service offerings can be found here: Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Microbiological Testing | Complete Laboratory Solutions (cls.ie)
4. Timeliness and Logistics: Time is often of the essence in analytical chemistry projects, especially in industries with tight deadlines or regulatory timelines. Evaluate the laboratory’s turnaround time for delivering results and their ability to meet your project’s deadlines. Reliable laboratories should have efficient workflows and processes in place to minimize turnaround times without compromising the quality of analyses. Communication is key here; ensure the laboratory provides transparent updates on the progress of your project and promptly addresses any delays or concerns.
CLS has its own fleet of vans and has developed close relationships with additional courier services to support daily or weekly collections. Our labs are also linked in via major highways and transportation hubs, particularly with our Galway city location.
5. Cost and Value Proposition: While cost is an important factor in selecting a laboratory partner, it should not be the sole determinant. Instead, focus on the overall value proposition offered by the laboratory in terms of quality, expertise, reliability, and customer service. Remember that investing in quality analytical services upfront can ultimately save time and resources by avoiding costly errors or rework in the long run.
By following these top tips you can choose a laboratory that aligns with your project’s needs and ensures successful outcomes.
On a recent customer survey, we are extremely proud to report that our partners shared that they most appreciate the customer service of our CLS team.
If you’re curious to learn more about our services, please fill out the form below or reach out to ContactCLS@cls.ie via email and a member of our team will respond directly to discuss your particular requirements.