San Bruno, CA,  November 17, 2011 – EMLab P&K announces the accreditation of its asbestos lab in Naperville, Illinois by the National Volunteer Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for PLM bulk asbestos analysis (NVLAP Lab Code 500061-0). EMLab P&K now has eleven (11) NVLAP-accredited laboratories for asbestos analysis.

EMLab P&K’s Naperville lab is located at: 1979 N. Mill Street, Suite 102, Naperville, IL 60563. EMLab P&K’s clients can now send your asbestos PLM samples (EPA Method 600/R-93/116) to our Naperville lab for analysis. The lab is also accredited by AIHA (EMLAP # 176641) for mold analysis

"Our Naperville laboratory’s NVLAP accreditation demonstrates EMLab P&K’s commitment to excellence as one of the best asbestos laboratories in the nation. This recognition shows that the analytical data that we produce is always of the highest quality," states Tim Costello, EMLab P&K's Director of Quality Assurance. "Because major health and financial decisions are made based on our laboratory’s results and on our quality system, it is essential that the data we produce and our QA system ensures the highest quality. EMLab P&K’s NVLAP accreditation is a mark of this capability as an asbestos laboratory."

NVLAP provides unbiased third-party recognition of quality performance by a laboratory through strict series of assessments. NVLAP accreditation represents a laboratory’s proven ability to meet or exceed technical requirements set by NVLAP management. NVLAP is in full conformance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and has become an industry standard for excellence. Areas of assessment include: quality systems, personnel, equipment, measurement traceability, sampling, accommodation and environment, test and calibration methods, handling and reports.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  September 27, 2011 – EMLab P&K announces sponsorship of the educational conference on "Infection Control and the Changing Environmental Remediation Landscape." The conference is hosted by the Environmental Contractors Association (ECA) and to be held on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at the Sheraton New York in New York City.

EMLab P&K's strategic alliance partner, The Linders Health Institute™, and the ECA designed a powerful conference agenda that will benefit professionals in the environmental, construction, and facilities industries. The conference is the first of its type and will include presentations on:

• Keynote address by Caswell F. Holloway, New York City Deputy Mayor for Operations
• Closing keynote address by Jim Gennaro, New York City Councilman and Chairman of the City's Environmental Protection Committee
• Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Environment by Dr. Kerry Schwartz
• Panel discussion on Incidence of Infection Control in public and private buildings moderated by Marlene Linders

Event Sponsors include: TestAmerica, the nation's leading analytical laboratory for environmental testing, EMLab P&K, specialists in lab analysis for mold, bacteria, asbestos and allergens, The Philders Group International and The Linders Health Institute™.

To register for the infection control conference, download the registration form at http://www.ecanyc.org/pdf/special-ed.pdf.

For more information, visit the Environmental Contractors Association website at http://www.ecanyc.org/.

About Philders Group International Inc.
Philders Group International Inc. is a scientific, engineering and environmental consulting firm for infectious diseases. Philders Group International authors policies, procedures, training and continuing education to keep corporations compliant for exposure risks to infectious diseases during real work time. Philders Group International has authored articles for various healthcare trade publications on infectious disease issues such as Kimberly Clark Worldwide™, ASHRAE Journal and Advanced Long Term Care Management.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  September 14, 2011 – EMLab P&K is pleased to announce the publication of a peer reviewed article authored by Gregorio Delgado, a microbiologist from EMLab P&K's Ft. Lauderdale laboratory in Mycotaxon. The article presents the history of mycology in Nicaragua.

This paper assembles a checklist of hyphomycetes (anamorphic fungi) known to be found in Nicaragua. Mr. Delgado's research also includes the recording of 14 genera, 19 species and one forma that had not previously been found in Nicaragua. The article centralizes this wealth of knowledge on the mycology in Nicaragua into one source for use by researchers and educational facilities throughout the region.

"EMLab P&K continues to lead and shape the IAQ industry by contributing to respected industry publications," states Dave Gallup, EMLab P&K's Co-Founder. "We are proud that Gregorio enjoys contributing to the IAQ industry in a meaningful way. Our microbiologists and analysts demonstrate EMLab P&K's ongoing commitment to excellence in all we do."

Gregorio Delgado has a Master's Degree in Botany and Mycology and 12 years experience in environmental microbiology with taxonomic expertise in microfungi. Mr. Delgado has worked at EMLab P&K's Florida microbiology laboratory for more than 6 years where he performs microbiological analysis to identify fungi, molds and other biological particles. Mr. Delgado is extensively published and credited with the discovery of numerous fungal species and two genera from his research.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  August 29, 2011 – Hurricane Irene brought gale force winds, surging seas and torrential rain, including as much as 15 inches falling in some areas. Hurricane Irene was unusual with its large size and slow speed, which created problems with winds and rains that reached far inland and for long durations.

Severe storms and coastal flooding battered states along the Eastern Seaboard from North Carolina to Massachusetts, including: Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Many residents evacuated areas in Hurricane Irene’s path. In the storm's aftermath, residents may struggle with sewage back-ups and flooded basements.

In response to the storms that Hurricane Irene brings, EMLab P&K is adding local and overall mold testing and bacteria testing capacity, including weekend and emergency staffing, to support the increased need for environmental testing. As the nation's leading environmental testing laboratory, EMLab P&K maintains a strong presence in the East Coast with AIHA accredited labs at Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Fairfax, Virginia. Through TestAmerica's network of laboratories, EMLab P&K also has sample drop-off locations in Shelton, CT, Edison, NJ, King of Prussia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Mt. Laurel, NJ (near South Jersey).

As property owners return to their homes and businesses, the buildings may appear to be irreparable, but some buildings may be salvageable through remediation. In addition to losing personal possessions, property owners must deal with the potential for bacterial contamination, mold growth, sewage contamination and other environmental health concerns caused by flooding and water damage. After remediation is completed, property owners should have a qualified IAQ professional perform mold testing and bacteria testing to confirm the remediation was successful. Property owners who need a qualified IAQ professional can contact EMLab P&K for a referral.

"EMLab P&K continues to stay informed about Hurricane Irene and its impact on the Eastern United States. We have also teamed up with TestAmerica to offer a wide range of environmental testing lab services to help the states address emerging health concerns quickly," states Belinda Vega, EMLab P&K's President. "During the recovery process after Hurricane Irene passes, our proactive approach has an immediate and positive impact with the lab services we are able to provide. As always, clients can expect and trust the quality and accuracy of our lab analysis."

Environmental professionals who plan to assist property owners and government agencies in areas affected by flooding should have proper equipment and sampling supplies. EMLab P&K's Products Division offers the professional testing equipment, sampling supplies for mold and bacteria testing, and personal protective equipment.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  July 27, 2011 – EMLab P&K announces the accreditation of its asbestos lab in Denver, Colorado by the National Volunteer Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for PLM bulk asbestos analysis (NVLAP Lab Code 500053-0). EMLab P&K now has ten (10) NVLAP-accredited laboratories for asbestos analysis. The Denver lab is also registered with the state of Colorado as an asbestos laboratory through Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment (Colorado DPH&E # 18529).

EMLab P&K’s Denver lab is located at: 1746 Cole Blvd., Building 21, Suite 225, Lakewood, CO 80401. EMLab P&K’s clients can now send your asbestos PLM samples (EPA Method 600/R-93/116) to our Denver lab for analysis. The lab is also accredited by AIHA (EMLAP # 176649) for mold analysis.

"With our Denver laboratory receiving NVLAP accreditation, EMLab P&K continues to demonstrate it is among the very best asbestos laboratories in the nation. This recognition shows that the analytical data that we produce is always of the highest quality. Because major health and financial decisions are made based on our laboratory’s results and on our quality system, it is very important that the data we produce and our QA system ensures the highest quality. EMLab P&K’s NVLAP accreditation is a mark of this capability as an asbestos laboratory," states Tim Costello, EMLab P&K's Director of Quality Assurance.

NVLAP provides unbiased third-party recognition of quality performance by a laboratory through strict series of assessments. NVLAP accreditation represents a laboratory’s proven ability to meet or exceed technical requirements set by NVLAP management. NVLAP is in full conformance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and has become an industry standard for excellence. Areas of assessment include: quality systems, personnel, equipment, measurement traceability, sampling, accommodation and environment, test and calibration methods, handling and reports.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  July 26, 2011 – EMLab P&K is pleased to announce the TCEQ NELAP accreditation of its analytical laboratory in Houston, Texas. EMLab P&K’s water testing lab in Houston is accredited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for water analysis (NELAP Certificate # T104704489-11-1). EMLab P&K’s Houston lab offers water analysis for drinking water testing and non-potable water testing including: E. coli, Total coliforms, Heterotrophic plate counts, fecal coliforms, Enterococci (non-potable water), and Fecal streptococci (non-potable water).

EMLab P&K’s Houston lab is located in TestAmerica's analytical laboratory at: 6310 Rothway Street, Houston, TX 77040. EMLab P&K’s clients can now send water test samples to the Houston lab for drinking water testing and non-potable water testing. The lab is also accredited by AIHA (EMLAP # 193549) for mold and bacterial analysis and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (License # LAB0136) for mold analysis.

"With our Houston laboratory receiving TCEQ NELAP accreditation, EMLab P&K continues to demonstrate it is among the very best analytical laboratories in the nation, including water testing. The recognition shows that the analytical data produced from any of our water testing laboratories is always of the highest quality. Because major health and financial decisions are made based on the laboratory results and on the laboratory’s quality system, we ensure that the data we produce and our QA system are of the highest quality. EMLab P&K’s TCEQ NELAP accreditation is a mark of this capability as a water testing laboratory," states Tim Costello, EMLab P&K's Director of Quality Assurance.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the environmental agency for the state of Texas. The TCEQ offers accreditations for all environmental laboratories according to standards adopted by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC). The Commission accredits laboratories providing data for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act through the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). The TCEQ also offers certifications based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s "Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water."

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  July 13, 2011 – EMLab P&K is pleased to announce the opening of its Las Vegas asbestos laboratory. EMLab P&K’s asbestos lab in Las Vegas, Nevada is accredited by National Volunteer Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for PLM bulk asbestos analysis (NVLAP Lab Code 500056-0). The Las Vegas lab is located in TestAmerica's Service Center at: 6000 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 5E, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

"With our Las Vegas laboratory receiving NVLAP accreditation, EMLab P&K continues to demonstrate it is among the very best asbestos laboratories in the nation. The recognition shows that the analytical data produced from any of our asbestos laboratories is always of the highest quality. Because major health and financial decisions are made based on the laboratory results and on the laboratory’s quality system, it is very important that the data produced by the laboratory and its QA system are of the highest quality. EMLab P&K’s NVLAP accreditation is a mark of this capability as an asbestos laboratory," states Tim Costello, EMLab P&K's Director of Quality Assurance.

NVLAP provides unbiased third-party recognition of quality performance by a laboratory through strict series of assessments. NVLAP accreditation represents a laboratory’s proven ability to meet or exceed technical requirements set by NVLAP management. NVLAP is in full conformance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and has become an industry standard for excellence. Areas of assessment include: quality systems, personnel, equipment, measurement traceability, sampling, accommodation and environment, test and calibration methods, handling and reports.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  July 11, 2011 – The Souris River overflowed its banks last month, breaking a 130-year-old high-water record and damaging thousands of homes. About 11,000 people were evacuated from Minot, ND neighborhoods nearest the river as the water crested nearly 13 feet above flood stage. The flood damaged an estimated 4,100 homes in Minot, ND, most of which were not insured against flooding. The damage was so severe that Mayor Curt Zimbelman said demolition may be the only answer for nearly one-fifth of the damaged homes.

Some flood victims have been allowed to return to the area to salvage what they can. Returning residents said the situation has been "very hard to deal with" and that mold and unsanitary conditions are causing a terrible stench. The severe flooding destroyed many homes, but some homes and business buildings may be salvageable through remediation. In addition to losing personal possessions, residents and property owners must deal with potential environmental health concerns such as bacterial contamination, mold growth, sewage contamination and other health concerns caused by excessive flooding and water damage. After remediation is completed, property owners should have a qualified indoor air quality (IAQ) professional perform mold testing and bacteria testing to confirm the remediation was successful. Property owners who need a qualified IAQ professional can contact EMLab P&K for a referral.

"The flooding in North Dakota has been devastating. As people begin to recover, time is critical so EMLab P&K is committed and ready to help with mold and bacterial analysis to expedite the recovery process," said Belinda Vega, EMLab P&K's President. "Through our partnership with TestAmerica, we can offer additional environmental testing services to address emerging health concerns quickly. As always, clients can expect and trust the quality and accuracy of our lab analysis."

To help flood victims recover quickly, EMLab P&K is adding local and overall mold testing and bacteria testing capacity, including weekend and emergency staffing to support the increased need for environmental testing. As the nation's leading environmental testing laboratory, As the nation’s leading environmental testing laboratory, EMLab P&K has analytical laboratories around the Midwest including AIHA accredited labs at Chicago, IL and Denver, CO. Through TestAmerica’s network of laboratories, EMLab P&K also has sample drop-off locations in Minnesota (Minneapolis area), Iowa (Cedar Falls and Davenport), and Missouri (St. Louis and Kansas City areas).

Environmental consultants and professionals who are assisting property owners and government agencies in flood affected areas need proper equipment and sampling supplies. EMLab P&K’s Products Division offers personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as testing equipment and sampling supplies for mold and bacteria testing.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

San Bruno, CA,  May 11, 2011 – Spring snow melt off and weeks of heavy rain have caused flooding in the Mississippi River and Ohio River Valleys that has become the worst flooding in the central United States in 70 years. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and neighborhoods in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee among other parts of the Midwest and South. One of the large cities hit hardest by the flooding is Memphis, TN. Baton Rouge, LA and New Orleans, LA are waiting to see if there will be any flooding from the Mississippi as floodwaters surge this week until they reach the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Corps of Engineers is opening spillways to divert floodwaters in an effort to protect Baton Rouge, LA and New Orleans, LA. Cleanup is expected to be massive as the surge moves downstream.

The severe flooding has destroyed many homes, but some homes and business buildings may be salvageable through remediation. In addition to losing personal possessions, residents and property owners must deal with potential environmental health concerns such as bacterial contamination, mold growth, sewage contamination and other health concerns caused by excessive flooding and water damage. After remediation is completed, property owners should have a qualified indoor air quality (IAQ) professional perform mold testing and bacteria testing to confirm the remediation was successful. Property owners who need a qualified IAQ professional can contact EMLab P&K for a referral.

"The flooding disaster has been devastating and tragic. As people begin to recover, time is critical. EMLab P&K is committed and ready to help with mold and bacterial analysis to expedite the recovery process," said Belinda Vega, EMLab P&K's President. "We have partnered with TestAmerica to offer additional environmental testing services to address emerging health concerns quickly. As always, clients can expect and trust the quality and accuracy of our lab analysis."

To help people recover after the flooding, EMLab P&K is adding local and overall mold testing and bacteria testing capacity, including weekend and emergency staffing to support the increased need for environmental testing. As the nation's leading environmental testing laboratory, EMLab P&K maintains a strong presence in Texas (Fort Worth and Houston), Chicago, IL and along the East Coast with AIHA accredited labs at Fairfax, VA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Through TestAmerica's network of laboratories, EMLab P&K also has sample drop-off locations in St. Louis, Missouri, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tennessee (Knoxville and Nashville), Alabama (Birmingham and Mobile), Ohio (Cincinnati, Dayton, and North Canton), and throughout Texas including: Austin, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

Environmental consultants and professionals who are assisting property owners and government agencies in areas affected by flooding need proper equipment and sampling supplies. EMLab P&K's Products Division offers personal protective equipment as well as testing equipment and sampling supplies for mold and bacteria testing.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs. For more information, visit the official website at www.emlabpk.com or call (866) 888-6653.

For IAQ professionals, choosing a good lab is one of the most important business decisions you can make.  How do you know that the fungal data that you are receiving is accurate?  Will it stand up in court?  Has an educated, experienced, trained analyst actually thought about your sample and your project, understood what you were looking for, and then used their knowledge to answer the question you were asking?  The answers to these questions can mean the difference between winning lawsuits and leaving you and your clients exposed.  This article outlines how to choose the best lab for you — and how to get the most out of your current lab.

Most professionals want a laboratory that provides high quality analysis, good service, fast turnaround time, and reasonable prices.  The first step in selecting a lab is to decide which factors are most important to you.  If your business provides advice related to human health or legal contests, then I would argue that quality and reliability should probably be the most important factors.

What do I mean by "quality"
Well, for example, how confident are you that starch granules, which can be common in indoor environments, are not being reported as mold spores?  This is just one of the common mistakes I have seen from experienced laboratories due to poor quality systems or inadequate analyst training, education or experience.  A mistake like that can lead to inappropriate recommendations, unnecessary expenditures, or can cause your client to lose a lawsuit. Asking the following questions will help you identify the best laboratories:

Analysts
What fraction of the analysts have Ph.D.s or Master's Degrees in mycology, microbiology or a related field?  A good lab should probably have close to half of the analysts with advanced degrees.  Does every analyst have at least a Bachelor's degree in biology or microbiology?

Training
Has every analyst undergone formalized, documented training with a qualified expert?

Quality Programs
•  Participation is not enough: check EMPAT results.  Look for scores consistently higher than 100.  If your lab doesn’t publish all their results, ask yourself why.
•  Are there clear, written procedures for every function in the lab and for the quality system?  Are these procedures rigorously followed and enforced?  The best way to find out is to quiz lab employees at random (over the phone or in person) about procedures and quality systems.
•  Does the lab perform blind duplicate comparisons amongst analysts to assure consistent, reliable and provable analysis quality?

Laboratory Tour
A lab tour gives you the chance to “kick the tires,” meet the analysts, and evaluate the overall professionalism of the lab.  A reputable laboratory should always give clients the opportunity to visit.  Ultimately, a lab tour is the best way to make an informed decision.

Services
How good is the service, including phone support, web references, online access to your data, or customized reports?  For example, a good lab should be proactive about calling you to discuss unusual results, mislabeled samples, etc.  If you request a same day rush, does the laboratory consistently deliver on time?  How good is their data management and tracking?  Can they quickly tell you who received the sample, who prepared it, who analyzed it, who reported it, and when?  Are they able to consistently remember your preferences?  Do you have someone you can call if you have a question, and does that person consistently provide you with useful answers?

Finally, before you settle on a lab, you might consider asking the advise of independent experts in the field.  Ask public departments of health, recognized industry experts, or other professionals for their opinions.  Choosing a good lab can mean the difference between winning lawsuits and leaving you and your clients exposed, and ultimately can save you trouble — and money.

Quality and Accuracy You Can Trust.
http://www.EMLab.com

Copyright © 2006 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc.

Trustworthy, Trained, and Truthful. These 3T's greatly affect your decision when you choose your lab. Ask yourself these questions: Is the data you are receiving accurate and can you TRUST the data being provided? Is an educated, experienced, TRAINED analyst analyzing your samples? Is the lab always TRUTHFUL, not hiding any errors that might have occurred during the process? If you ask these questions before choosing a lab, you will have peace of mind when you make decisions based on your lab results. A good lab can make all the difference between winning and losing lawsuits. Now let's further examine how to choose a good lab.

Let's explore all the factors that can influence the decision of selecting a laboratory:
•  Reputation/Reliability
•  Quality of Analysis
•  Customer Service
•  Turnaround Time
•  Price
•  Local Presence
 
Most of us would like a lab that can provide all of these. And if must make a choice, then you'd want a lab with high quality analyses, good service, fast turnaround time, and reasonable prices. Even though these are all important factors that rightly influence your decision, the two most important factors that cannot and should not be negotiated are the Reliability and Quality.

What is Reliability?
It is your trust in your lab. In a broader sense it means "your peace of mind." How confident are you that your samples were handled correctly, reported properly, and that the data provided is accurate? How confident are you that you will get your data on time when you have requested for a rush service? Will your lab call you proactively to resolve issues like samples damaged in shipping, missing samples, and unusual results? Are the analysts available and knowledgeable to answer your questions? Does the lab have a good sample tracking system and processes in place that is rigorous enough to undergo legal scrutiny in a confrontational lawsuit?

What is Quality?
A correct analysis (i.e. "high quality" analysis) can be the difference between making a correct or incorrect decision. An incorrect decision could put people's health at risk on one hand or create unnecessary costs for your clients. How can you measure quality? Start by asking your lab questions like:
•  Do they have a rigorous quality assurance system in place?
•  Are the quality assurance protocols strictly being followed?
•  Does the lab have a clear written procedure for every aspect of the work being conducted in the lab?
•  Does the lab participate in the proficiency testing rounds? If yes, can you have a copy of their results and scores?
•  Does the lab employ analysts with higher levels of education?
•  Do the analysts receive proper training?

The answer to these questions will help you measure the lab's quality. To provide a good quality analysis, the lab must employ analysts with experience, sound knowledge, and college degrees who can use their knowledge to answer the questions you are asking. The analysts should have also undergone a formalized, documented training with a qualified expert. Proper training is essential for all asbestos analysis. It is also important to have proper training in the use of stereo and polarized light microscopes, a thorough knowledge in dispersion staining and polarized light microscopy, and familiarity in the morphology and crystal characteristics of asbestos and other fibers. The quality systems and the training of the analysts are important in analyzing and reporting asbestos samples. Without these, the data provided may be factually incorrect and, even if correct, may not hold up in court.

Remember that choosing a good lab helps you provide great service for your business. Choosing a good lab can also determine if you win or lose a lawsuit and ultimately lets you work with peace of mind.

Quality and Accuracy You Can Trust.
http://www.EMLab.com

Copyright © 2006 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc.