8 Qualities of a Good Third-Party Testing Partner
A strong relationship with a high-quality lab that you can trust is a major asset for meeting your company’s goals. For this reason, you should consider your testing laboratory as a partner of your business and use them as such. Use our checklist of what to look for in a good testing partner.
1. Uses proper analytical procedures
A good laboratory partner should offer the scope of the quality systems and test methods that cover what you're trying to accomplish within your testing program.
2. Utilizes and documents robust quality systems
Your testing provider needs to have quality systems in place to back up their science and technical expertise.
3. Participates in proficiency programs
Participation in proficiency programs indicates the lab is constantly testing to ensure that they provide clients with accurate and precise results for the utilized test methods.
4. Stays active in industry activities and trade associations
Involvement in industry activities and trade associations indicates that a lab is invested in staying at the forefront of what’s going on in your industry. A good laboratory partner can help guide you through your industry’s scientific and regulatory affairs, not just as a testing facility but also as a consultant on those lines.
5. Keeps customer service at the forefront
While proper methodologies and quality systems are essential, also evaluate the lab’s customer service. A laboratory focused on providing exceptional communication and customer service is an asset to your company's testing program.
6. Willing to troubleshoot issues (OOS)
All laboratories run across out-of-spec issues and will need to troubleshoot. A good laboratory is transparent about those situations and actively works toward a solution for your testing problem.
7. Maintains proper accreditation status (ISO 17025)
You can trust that a laboratory with an ISO 17025 accreditation, or other accreditations required for your product’s analysis or calibration, meets a set quality standard for the testing services covered by the accreditation.
8. Promotes transparency and does not hide information
A good testing provider encourages transparency between the lab and your business around results, troubleshooting, capabilities, techniques, and methodologies.
Eurofins – Your Partner for Laboratory Testing Services
The Eurofins network of laboratories provides its customers with complete analytical solutions supported by a commitment to excellent customer service, high-quality standards, and scientific expertise.
