Essential Guidelines for Choosing the Right Central Lab Partner: Insights for Clinical Research Teams 

Summary

In this article, we explore what makes a reliable central lab partner and why this choice is crucial for the success of clinical trials. From ensuring seamless logistics to maintaining regulatory compliance, the right partner plays a key role in study efficiency. To gain deeper insights, we spoke with Michał Dyśko, Director of Business Development at Medicover Integrated Clinical Services . He shares his expertise on selecting the best central lab partner, discusses the latest industry trends, and presents a real-world case study showcasing how effective lab collaboration can drive trial success.

Paweł Jacewicz: We hear a lot about the importance of central labs in clinical trials these days. From your perspective, why are they so essential in today’s environment? 

Michał Dyśko: Central labs play a pivotal role, especially now that clinical trials are more global and complex than ever. When you think about multi-regional studies or precision medicine trials, there’s a need for consistent, high-quality data that can be processed quickly. The number of precision medicine trials, which require specialized diagnostics and biomarker analysis, is rising. In oncology, nearly 50% of all trials are now focused on precision treatments, which require extensive molecular and genetic testing capabilities that central labs can effectively support.

Central lab partners ensure uniformity across all sites, which is critical for accurate results. They also offer a centralized system that can streamline logistics, from sample collection to data reporting, ensuring everything is aligned with the study’s objectives. This efficiency helps trials stay on track and within budget, which is increasingly important as trial costs and timelines continue to rise. At Medicover, we’ve seen how having a robust lab partner can significantly impact trial timelines and data reliability, helping clients make informed decisions faster. 

PJ: That makes sense. What do you think clinical teams should really be looking for when they’re selecting a central lab partner? 

MD: First and foremost, the lab has to be a good fit for the trial’s scope and needs. You want to look at geographic reach—can the lab handle multi-site trials across different regions? Then, there’s the range of services they offer. Do they provide all the necessary tests, from routine safety labs to more advanced biomarker assays? Regulatory expertise is another critical factor, especially when trials are conducted across multiple countries with varying compliance standards.

Finally, the ability to provide real-time data access is essential for transparency and fast decision-making.

At Medicover Integrated Clinical Services, we’re not just offering a service; we work as a partner, deeply integrating with our clients’ processes to ensure their specific needs are met, whether that’s through customized logistics, specialized testing, or regulatory support.

A few years ago, one of our clients—a mid-sized biotech company—was conducting a global phase III trial for a novel cancer therapy. They had chosen several clinical sites across Europe and North America, but they struggled with inconsistencies in how samples were processed at each location. Data discrepancies began to emerge, causing significant delays. This is where our central lab services came in. By standardizing their procedures across all sites and managing sample logistics centrally, we not only rectified the inconsistencies but also improved the overall efficiency of the trial. 

PJ: Your insights provide a roadmap for companies preparing to select a central lab partner. I imagine the right lab partner can have a big impact on the success of the trial. How does that play out in practice? 

MD: Exactly. The right lab partner can have a huge impact on timelines, data quality, and overall trial success. For instance, fast and reliable processing of samples means fewer delays in reporting results, which is crucial when you’re working on tight timelines. Poor lab performance can lead to delays, which in turn can delay regulatory submissions or even impact the clinical outcomes. Each year, we are approached several times by clients dissatisfied with their current providers or central lab partner solutions, looking for a partner who can offer reliable timelines, higher data accuracy, and greater consistency across sites.

Central labs also help ensure data accuracy—if the data isn’t clean and consistent across all sites, it can lead to re-analysis, further complicating the process. We’ve had numerous cases at Medicover Integrated Clinical Services where our proactive management and ability to process complex tests quickly helped clients hit critical milestones ahead of schedule, allowing them to move on to the next phase of their trials faster. The bottom line is that a strong lab partner can be the difference between a trial running smoothly or facing major roadblocks. 

PJ: What about the common challenges teams face with outsourcing lab services? Any advice on how they can be overcome? 

MD: Outsourcing lab services can be tricky. One of the biggest challenges is communication—if there’s a disconnect between the clinical team and the lab, it can lead to delays or errors in data. Another issue is inconsistent data reporting or results processing, especially if the lab isn’t fully integrated into the trial’s workflow. Delays in sample shipment or processing can also be a problem, particularly in multi-regional trials. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to have a lab partner that is proactive and transparent, offering real-time updates and dedicated project management. This is why we prioritize effective communication and a structured project management approach.

By assigning dedicated teams to work closely with our clients, we proactively address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring smooth trial operations and reliable data quality. This collaborative approach supports seamless trial execution and dependable results, aligning with our commitment to overcoming the typical challenges of outsourced lab services. 

PJ: Where do you see the industry heading, particularly in terms of central labs’ role in supporting clinical trials? What trends should clinical teams be aware of? 

MD: We’re seeing a shift towards more decentralized and hybrid models in clinical trials, which is reshaping how labs provide support. There’s a growing demand for local solutions, with testing done closer to patients or even at-home options, which makes trials more patient-friendly. At the same time, hybrid models—combining central lab partner services with local labs—are becoming more common to balance efficiency with convenience. Testing complexity is also increasing, especially with the rise of precision medicine and the need for more advanced biomarkers.  

Wearables and remote monitoring devices are adding another layer, allowing us to gather real-time data, often from biomarkers, directly from patients. This not only helps streamline trials but also enhances data collection and analysis, leading to more precise outcomes. I’m proud that we’ve developed a model at Medicover Integrated Clinical Services is well-positioned to support these trends, offering both centralized and local lab solutions while staying ahead with advanced diagnostics and integration of cutting-edge data collection technologies. 

PJ: Lastly, what sets Medicover Integrated Clinical Services apart from other central labs out there? 

MD: For us, it’s about being more than just a service provider. We act as a true extension of our clients’ teams, integrating deeply into their processes to offer personalized support that aligns with their unique trial requirements. What truly sets Medicover Integrated Clinical Services apart is our comprehensive central lab services, offering access to advanced and complex diagnostics.

We’re proud to be a leader in the region, with a vast network providing over 12,000 tests across hundreds of labs and nearly 1,000 blood drawing points. This scale, combined with our expertise, makes us an ideal partner, whether our clients need a standard central lab partner model, a hybrid approach, or even decentralized solutions. We have the infrastructure, flexibility, and regional expertise to meet the growing demands of today’s clinical trials, all while ensuring seamless service and reliable data, which are crucial for trial success. 

PJ: Thank you for the talk! Wishing you many successful projects!  

About Michał Dyśko, MBA  

With over 20 years of experience in the clinical trials industry, primarily within CRO companies and central labs, Michał Dyśko is dedicated to helping Pharma, Biotech, and CRO clients accelerate their clinical development programs. As Director of Business Development at Medicover Integrated Clinical Services, Michał leverages deep industry knowledge and a client-focused approach to optimize lab services and ensure that trials progress smoothly, efficiently, and with high-quality data at every step. Contact Michal on LinkedIn.  

About Medicover Integrated Clinical Services 

Medicover Integrated Clinical Services (MICS) is a strategic business organisation with the overarching objective to support the development and commercialization of innovative therapies and medicines. MICS focuses on clinical applications and clients from pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biopharma, biotech, medtech and contract research organisations (CROs). MICS’ activities are organised along discrete service lines: Central Lab Partner Services, Site Management Organisation, Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics.  

MICS has been providing bespoke services to clients and their patients for over 20 years, making strategic use of Medicover assets, including laboratories with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, medical clinics and hospitals, as well as the vast expertise and enthusiasm of a global workforce.

Author: Paweł Jacewicz, MICS Editorial Team