Looking back to look forward

Environmental NEWS - Fall 2011

by J. Wilson Hershey, Ph.D., Lancaster Laboratories chairman of the board

As another successful year at Lancaster Laboratories comes to a close, we look back to look forward. Every day we listen to clients’ project challenges and ideas, learn from the past and continually look to implement system improvements and new specialty services, making yesterday’s suggestions tomorrow’s success stories. Many of our services have come from hearing clients’ thoughts and adapting to deliver more customized service experiences. My goal at the end of every year is to look back on all the clients we’ve delighted and ensure that satisfaction continues to grow for next year.

As we look forward to serving everyone even better next year, allow me to share a few of our new service enhancements that are highlighted in this issue. For instance, while clients are fond of the conveniences of our online data access portal LLabWeb 1.0, we’ve further tailored the service to deliver more data retrieval options, more efficiently. Specifically, using their own secure web based log-in, LLabWeb 2.0 gives clients more functionality options; sample submission paperwork, COCs, invoices, analytical reports, historical data, etc., are all now available 24/7. And LLabWeb’s sophisticated search, sort and filter feature enables clients’ data searching by keyword parameters, and clients can export results to their preferred application. LLabWeb 2.0 will be available in the winter quarter and will add EDDs and Data Packages.

Also on the horizon for next year, Lancaster Labs’ Specialty Services Group has some exciting new services underway, such as:

The Group has developed a new analytical protocol for performing dioxin/furan and dioxin-like PCB congener testing in foods and feeds.
They’ve also expanded the pesticide/herbicide test list to 150 compounds traditionally performed under methods 8081, 8141 and 8151, which can now be done using sophisticated LC/ MS/MS and GC/MS/MS, providing greater sensitivity and selectivity.
The Group has set up a new analysis for the 209 PCB congeners by EPA Method 1668C for water, soil and sediments by HRGC/HRMS and expects certification by spring 2012.
Additionally, they’ve doubled capacity for perchlorate analytical projects and have redeveloped reporting limits, achieving lower levels. The Group has also been asked to begin research on perchlorate analysis in food and dairy. We already offer the analysis in infant formula.

Finally, during every past acquisition, our values have remained constant, and we’ve been able to maintain our brand. Now as we continue our integration with Eurofins, they too see value in the Lancaster Laboratories brand. Yet one of the distinguishing factors Eurofins has from our previous owners is Eurofins is in the laboratory business and also has strong brand awareness in Europe. So we therefore have two outstanding companies, providing a greater geographic scope. Consequently, the best way to capitalize on this brand recognition is to combine our logos. Even though our legal name will remain Lancaster Laboratories, beginning early next year, our new combined logo will have both the Eurofins and Lancaster Labs names.

Most of all, we look forward to working with you this coming year and discovering all the new ways we’ll become smarter and more proficient in serving you better each day.