Many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies struggle with storing their samples, and even more struggle to accurately track lab sample management. It’s important to determine the best sample management system for your needs, as it will help your company maintain compliance and control costs.
In life science research, testing, and analysis, sample management involves the handling, tracking, storing, and retrieval of laboratory samples. When outsourcing sample management, additional offerings may be available like transport logistics, secondary packaging, distribution, and more.
Lab Sample Management Considerations
Before choosing a sample management system for your company, there are several questions to consider. For example:
- What samples need to be managed?
- What are the storage requirements?
- Have they been packaged?
- Will they be labelled with barcodes?
When it comes to lab sample management, it is worth considering what will be managed internally and what will need to be outsourced. Outsourced sample management companies typically require samples to be labelled with relevant details before accepting the delivery to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Asking these questions will help you find a solution that maximizes the effectiveness of all your functional requirements.
Technological Impact on Sample Management
Until the recent past, lab sample management had been incredibly tiresome and challenging. It included a virtually endless paper trail which requires daily updates as well as checking expiration dates and recall notices – responsibilities that wore out office staff over time.
With the revolution of the internet introducing software and apps, biopharmaceutical companies, researchers, and others can easily monitor and better manage their specimens. It has become simpler than ever before to track samples from collection to handling to storage until they reach the end of distribution – nowadays with a completely digital trail.
Determining the Best Option for Your Needs
Proper lab sample management is critical for preventing specimen deterioration and complying with all global, federal, and state regulations. Outsourcing with a third-party sample management facility can help you reduce risks and shipping costs as well as simplify paperwork. When outsourcing, you may require additional offerings, like cold chain logistics. Contact SciSafe to find out how SciSafe can be your lab sample management and cold chain logistic solution.