Top 5 Things to Look for in a Flow Cytometry CRO
There comes a moment when the flow cytometry work can be too much. Sometimes it’s the big “make-or-break” experiment that has to go just right, or sometimes it’s the monthly batches of clinical trial samples that have to be handled, on a Saturday, with swift, deft hands, and you’re the only one qualified for the job. That’s when you either break down in tears of exhaustion and frustration, or you consider finding some help. Now most investigators aren’t in a position to hire and train new staff for cytometry work, but there is high quality and reliable alternative - A contract research organization (CRO).
A CRO can carry out your flow cytometry experiments, to you exact specifications, and meet your needs for a single experiment or a multi-year clinical trial. CROs specializing in flow cytometry may be your best option to guarantee high quality and reliable results.
Consider these five characteristics in a company as you search for your ideal flow cytometry CRO:
1. Due Diligence
As a potential CRO customer, you must take the time to research CROs. Talk to colleagues and find out who else in your scientific community uses CROs. Get customer references from CROs and contact the references to learn more about their contracting experiences.
2. Respect
An outstanding flow cytometry CRO should be a respected business with an impeccable reputation. Look at how many years the CRO has been in business, contact users who have done business with the CRO, and look for success metrics like awards and recognition from the scientific and CRO communities.
3. Expertise
Find out about the staff. Talk about how many years experience staff members have with particular techniques. If you work in pharma or biotech, find out if staff members have experience in these industries.
4. Location
Think about the assays you are planning to contract out and consider if proximity is important. This may also be crucial to clinical sample processing.
5. Nimbleness
Is a potential CRO ready to take on new customers? Can the CRO handle your project? You want to find a CRO that is ready for you when you are ready. The last thing you need is to be put on a waiting list.
Explore your CRO options and think about how it could revolutionize your productivity.
