How to Choose a Testing Lab You Can Trust
Choosing the right testing lab is critical to ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of your products. Whether you’re manufacturing cosmetics, OTC drugs, supplements, or other consumer products, the lab you select must meet your unique needs.
View our webinar recording above to gain practical insights for choosing a third-party testing lab.
The Importance of a Robust Quality Management System (QMS)
A strong Quality Management System (QMS) is the foundation of reliable testing. A QMS ensures that the lab adheres to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
When evaluating a lab’s QMS, consider the following:
- Document control and record retention practices.
- Employee training and proficiencies.
- Internal and external audit procedures.
- Validation of testing methods.
By choosing a lab with a robust QMS, you can trust that your testing process will maintain integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.
Validated Test Methods: Accuracy You Can Count On
Validated test methods are essential for accurate and reliable results. A validated method demonstrates that the lab’s procedures are precise, specific, and reproducible.
For example, labs testing OTC products must use validated methods that comply with FDA regulations. Similarly, international markets like Canada and Europe have their own validation standards. Always ask if the lab can verify that its methods align with the market requirements where your product will be sold.
Even if a lab uses compendial methods, such as those from USP or AOAC, it’s crucial to ensure the lab verifies these methods for your specific product matrix. This step, often referred to as “method verification,” confirms that the lab can produce accurate results under real-world conditions.
Streamlined Client Onboarding
An effective onboarding process is crucial for a smooth partnership with your testing lab. This process sets expectations, prevents surprises, and ensures seamless communication.
Key components of onboarding include:
- Sharing vendor checklists and submission forms.
- Establishing clear reporting contacts.
- Setting timelines for test results, including rush testing options if needed.
- Understanding how the lab handles out-of-specification (OOS) results.
Look for labs that simplify the onboarding process by providing tools like client questionnaires and follow-up meetings to clarify testing requirements and ensure alignment.
Timely and Compliant Results
The Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the final product you receive from your testing lab, and it’s vital that it meets your regulatory and business needs.
Here’s what to check:
- Does the COA include all necessary details in an easy-to-read format?
- How quickly can the lab deliver results? Turnaround times often range from 24 hours to 14 days, depending on the complexity of the test.
- What is the lab’s process for handling revisions or OOS results?
Additionally, be aware of the potential for fraudulent COAs. Ensure the lab has systems in place to prevent fraud and is willing to verify the authenticity of its reports when needed.
A Lab Partner You Can Trust
When choosing a testing lab, you’re not just selecting a service provider – you’re building a partnership. Certified Laboratories offers comprehensive services supported by a robust QMS, validated methods, efficient onboarding, and timely, compliant reporting.
Ready to find a testing lab you can trust? Contact Certified Laboratories today and take the first step toward a seamless testing experience.