Building a Dependable Pharmaceutical Testing Partnership
Pharmaceutical quality teams manage more than testing requests. They coordinate samples, production schedules, documentation, and the information needed to make product decisions. A laboratory partnership should help make that work easier.
FDA expectations emphasize the importance of complete testing data, clear documentation, and effective quality oversight in pharmaceutical testing. For manufacturers, that makes the working relationship with a testing laboratory an important part of program planning.
Whether you are reviewing an existing arrangement or qualifying an additional laboratory, start with how the partnership will support your products, your team, and your day-to-day operations.
Start With the Decisions Your Testing Must Support
A useful testing discussion begins with the product and the purpose of the work.
Routine quality control, a new formulation, and a stability program may require different methods, sample quantities, documentation, and timelines. Sharing that context helps the laboratory evaluate the scope before samples arrive.
Prepare the information that will shape the project:
- Product type, formulation, and relevant specifications.
- Required tests and available methods.
- Expected sample volumes and testing frequency.
- Reporting and supporting documentation needs.
- Target dates and any prerequisites for routine testing.
Agreeing on these details early gives both teams a practical foundation for planning.
Look Beyond the Quoted Turnaround Time
Turnaround time matters, but understanding when testing can begin matters too.
Ask what needs to happen before the laboratory can accept a project into routine testing. Depending on the product and method, this may include documentation review, method transfer, suitability work, or validation activities.
Also clarify how the quoted turnaround is calculated, what sample requirements apply, and when project updates will be provided. These conversations help your team build testing into its schedule with a clearer understanding of the work involved.
Make Communication Part of the Service Discussion
Your quality team needs access to people who can answer questions and keep projects moving.
Identify the primary project contact, the appropriate technical contact, and the process for requesting supporting information. Discuss how changes in sample volume, formulation, or scheduling should be communicated.
A dependable relationship gives your team a clear path to the information it needs. That can reduce time spent following up and help keep internal stakeholders informed.
Plan Ahead When Adding a Laboratory
Qualifying an additional laboratory can support future capacity needs, new products, or broader testing requirements. The onboarding process deserves the same attention as the service selection.
Define the proposed scope and identify the technical and quality activities required before testing begins. Review sample logistics, methods, documentation, and responsibilities with the prospective laboratory.
Network access can introduce additional laboratory resources, but each receiving laboratory still needs to be evaluated for the intended work. Confirm the capabilities, methods, and project requirements applicable to the specific location.
Pharmaceutical Testing Resources Within Tentamus North America
Tentamus North America helps customers explore pharmaceutical testing resources within its laboratory network, including Tentamus Pharmaceutical Sciences (TPS) and Nova Biologicals.
Tentamus Pharmaceutical Sciences (TPS) provides analytical and microbiological testing, along with method development and validation services. Customers can discuss how these capabilities fit routine testing, new products, and changes to existing programs.
Nova Biologicals provides pharmaceutical microbiological testing services. Its team offers another resource for customers assessing microbial testing requirements within their pharmaceutical quality programs.
The starting point is your testing scope. Sharing your products, methods, sample requirements, and documentation needs helps our teams identify relevant services and discuss the laboratory resources appropriate to the project.
Put the Partnership to Work for Your Team
A productive laboratory relationship combines appropriate technical capabilities with clear expectations and responsive communication.
Whether you need support for an existing program or are evaluating an additional laboratory, Tentamus North America can help start the conversation with TPS and Nova Biologicals.
Schedule a discussion about your pharmaceutical testing requirements.