The Laboratory Relocation Process

With years of experience in lab relocation, OneSource has developed a proven process that minimizes error and maximizes efficiency – not just during the move, but also during the shut-down and re-start phases of the move.

Preparing for a lab move starts with an organizational meeting with OneSource to assess your relocation needs.

As part of the lab move, OneSource gathers information regarding your:

• Relocation timeline and milestones- Every laboratory move has its unique workflow and uptime sequencing requirements – the last instrument to shut down, and the first one to start up. We work with you to make sure that your lab move is least disruptive to your workflow.
• Lab-move distances and obstacles - Distance and time can be problematic for some samples and chemicals. Doorways, ceiling heights, elevators, and stairwells can be difficult physical obstacles.
• Laboratory inventory - OneSource can prepare an up-to-date inventory of all instruments, accessories, chemicals, samples and hazardous materials.
• Equipment reinstallation and qualification / validation requirements - As the leading multi-vendor service provider, OneSource can meet all your qualification / validation needs for any component or instrument, from any manufacturer, such as Agilent and Thermo as well as PerkinElmer. (Learn More Regulatory Compliance )

Pre-move lab preparation

After the initial meeting to assess the scope of your relocation, a series of meetings and activities will precede the actual relocation so that all details are mapped out. Items addressed before the lab move:

• Creation of an equipment database including existing assets and items on order.
• Creation of a realistic lab move schedule
• Site assessment
• Assessment of special transportation documentation requirements for cross-border lab moves.
• Assessment of compliance documentation needs pertinent to post-installation qualification (IQ OQ PQ), verification, and validation, as well as non-move-related gaps pertaining to regulatory compliance in general.

During move

Steps include:

• Initiating instrument tracking process.
• Pre-shipment preparation of lab equipment before dismantling, such as instrument decontamination, purging and "parking" of moveable mechanical parts, as required.
• Individual de-commissioning, packing, tagging, and re-commissioning of instrument systems.
• Overseeing and assuring the proper handling of Hazmat wastes, chemicals, laboratory samples, etc.
• Packing lab ware, accessories and laboratory equipment spare parts
• Management and coordination of all sub-contractors.
• Safe transportation of instruments

Post move

Once in your new laboratory, OneSource service experts unpack, re-assemble, and re-install each system, carefully following the project plan, and duplicating the installation at the former location (or reconfiguring the installation, based on the move plan).

Reinstallation is also a timely and cost-effective opportunity for implementing preventive maintenance, calibration, or qualification / validation on each system. These are activities that the skilled multi-vendor engineers involved in the move are trained to undertake, reducing downtime for each lab.

Post-move steps include:

• Unpacking and installing laboratory equipment at the new location.
• Testing functionality of each laboratory instrument at its new location.
• Preventive maintenance as needed.
• Calibration, as needed, of instruments.
• IQ OQ PQ qualification / validation and documentation, as needed (Learn more - Regulatory Compliance).
• Delivery of samples to each department and lab.

Ease the burden of lab relocation

Moving a lab is a challenge, which in all probability, you will face only rarely in your career as a laboratory leader. At OneSource, our specialists do it every day.

With OneSource as your single contact, the administrative burden on your staff is reduced dramatically. And, with a repertoire of expertise in multi-vendor instruments, OneSource provides the skills crucial to efficient and safe lab moves, ensuring laboratories resume operations with the highest quality of analysis.

Throughout the lab relocation process, OneSource remains:

• Flexible. We can help you address the unexpected needs that arise in a move.
• Committed to communication. Frequent communication is key to the success of any lab relocation project

Each lab relocation is unique. Contact us now to find out the details of how OneSource reduces the toll a lab move has on your staff and your productivity.

Write Ralph Dioguardi
Business Manager
OneSource Lab Relocation Services