What to look for in a Third-Party Testing Laboratory: 10 Questions Every Manufacturer Should Ask

Whether you’re manufacturing cannabis products, dietary supplements, cosmetics, food, beverages, or consumer goods, choosing the right testing laboratory is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

A reputable third-party laboratory helps verify product quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and build trust with your customers. But not all laboratories offer the same capabilities, turnaround times, or quality standards.

Before sending your samples, here are ten questions every manufacturer should ask.

1. Is the Laboratory ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited?

Accreditation demonstrates that a laboratory operates under internationally recognized quality standards and follows validated testing methods.

Working with an accredited laboratory provides confidence that your test results are accurate, consistent, and reliable.

2. What Types of Products Can They Test?

A quality laboratory should be equipped to analyze a wide variety of products, including:

• Cannabis and hemp products

• Dietary supplements

• Food and beverages

• Cosmetics

• Raw ingredients

• Consumer products

• Environmental samples

Choosing one laboratory that offers multiple testing services can simplify your quality assurance process.

3. What Testing Services Are Available?

Different products require different analyses.

Common testing services include:

• Potency analysis

• Heavy metal testing

• Pesticide screening

• Residual solvent analysis

• Microbial testing

• Terpene analysis

• Moisture content

• Water activity

• Stability testing

Ensure the laboratory provides the specific testing your products require.

4. What Is the Typical Turnaround Time?

Fast results help manufacturers keep production moving.

Ask about:

• Standard turnaround times

• Rush testing availability

• Average reporting timelines

• Communication throughout the testing process

Reliable turnaround times help reduce costly production delays.

5. How Are Samples Handled?

Proper sample handling protects the integrity of your results.

A professional laboratory should have documented procedures for:

• Sample intake

• Chain of custody

• Secure storage

• Tracking throughout testing

• Sample disposal

6. Can They Help Explain the Results?

A laboratory should do more than provide numbers.

Experienced scientists can help explain:

• Certificates of Analysis (COAs)

• Regulatory limits

• Failed results

• Quality trends

• Retesting recommendations

Understanding your results helps improve future production.

7. Are Their Testing Methods Validated?

Validated analytical methods help ensure repeatable, defensible results.

Ask whether the laboratory uses industry-recognized instrumentation and validated methodologies appropriate for your products.

8. Do They Have Experience in Your Industry?

Every industry has unique compliance requirements.

Whether you manufacture cannabis, supplements, food products, or cosmetics, choose a laboratory familiar with your industry’s standards and regulations.

9. What Level of Customer Support Is Available?

Testing should be a partnership.

Look for a laboratory that provides:

• Responsive communication

• Technical guidance

• Clear reporting

• Easy sample submission

• Ongoing support

Reliable customer service can save valuable time when questions arise.

10. Can the Laboratory Grow With Your Business?

As your company expands, your testing needs may increase.

Working with a laboratory capable of handling larger sample volumes, additional testing services, and evolving regulatory requirements can support long-term growth.

Why Choosing the Right Laboratory Matters

Laboratory testing plays a critical role in protecting consumers, maintaining product quality, and supporting regulatory compliance.

By asking the right questions before selecting a testing partner, manufacturers can make informed decisions that help safeguard their products and their reputation.

Whether you’re launching a new product or scaling production, partnering with an experienced third-party laboratory provides confidence in every batch.

Work With Accurate Test Lab

At Accurate Test Lab, we provide comprehensive third-party laboratory testing for a wide range of industries, including cannabis, hemp, dietary supplements, food, beverages, cosmetics, and consumer products.

Our team is committed to delivering accurate results, responsive service, and dependable turnaround times to help manufacturers make informed decisions.

Contact us today to learn more about our testing services and how we can support your quality assurance program.