• Lab Testing

Understanding Lab Testing Requirements & Selection

Your formula passed bench testing. Now you need third-party validation that won’t drain your budget or delay launch. Choosing between ISO 17025 labs, understanding which tests FDA actually requires, and negotiating turnaround times determines whether you ship on schedule or burn cash waiting for results that should have taken two weeks, not twelve.

  • Our Mission
Confidence

When you understand which tests FDA actually requires, stability protocols, and heavy metal thresholds, uncertainty transforms into confidence throughout your product development and launch journey.

Clarity

Testing terms like LOD, LOQ, and CFU/g become clear through straightforward explanations, removing the intimidation of analytical certificates and compliance jargon.

Empowerment

Armed with knowledge about testing methodologies, turnaround times, and pricing benchmarks, you gain complete control over your quality assurance program and release timeline.

  • Sell-Side Advisory Functions

Key Services Testing Labs Provide

Test Method Selection

Skilled testing labs apply various analytical methods from HPLC multiples to microbiological plate counts to establish product safety and label expectations. Supplement brands benefit from understanding these approaches to identify compliance requirements before going to market. Recognizing how labs evaluate contaminants helps address potential red flags early and positions the product for optimal market entry and regulatory approval.

Lab Accreditation

Finding the right lab requires more than accepting the first offer. Testing facilities tap into networks of ISO 17025 certifications, FDA registrations, and specialized equipment for specific matrices. Understanding each lab's analytical capabilities often leads to premium accuracy, better detection limits, and smoother validation protocols after initial testing concludes.

Testing Timelines

Successful testing requires navigating more than just analytical price. Understanding complex elements like rush surcharges, method development adjustments, and retesting warranties helps avoid costly mistakes. Brand owners who grasp these components before entering contracts create a smoother path toward product release without unwelcome surprises, ultimately achieving more favorable terms.

The Lab Testing Selection Process

01.

Getting to Know Your Product

Testing labs begin by deeply understanding your product matrix, formulation, and intended label claims. This initial discovery reveals what analyses your formula requires and what matters most beyond basic compliance. This foundation helps align testing protocols and identify potential regulatory challenges before they delay your launch timeline.
02.
Testing Requirements & Documentation
Professional labs thoroughly analyze your formula, target market, and comparable products to determine required test panels. This critical step identifies opportunities to optimize testing costs, enhance label claims, and establish key metrics before submitting samples to analytical queues.
03.
Lab Selection & Quoting
Skilled advisors create detailed testing specifications that highlight your product requirements while maintaining analytical integrity. They then leverage extensive networks to identify certified labs, specialized testing facilities, and niche analytical groups that match your testing needs and launch timeline.
04.
Contract Terms & Execution
This final phase navigates complex testing terms beyond just analytical price – from turnaround guarantees and rush surcharges to retesting policies and hold harmless clauses. Understanding these elements helps protect product value and ensures a smooth path toward successful market release.
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