As you know, the Clinical Research Centers associated with Harvard Catalyst have had access to research testing performed by LabCorp, a commercial laboratory, since 2009. We are writing to let you know that the agreement for research testing services provided by LabCorp to the Harvard Catalyst hospitals will expire on June 30, 2018. In anticipation of this, Harvard Catalyst issued a Request for Proposals for a new contract to multiple commercial and academic laboratories.
Bids were received in late 2017 and based on the responses received, a cross-institutional committee of clinical and translational research leaders chose to move forward with an alternate laboratory vendor, due to more competitive pricing and maintenance of research quality of assays. We are currently negotiating the terms of the agreement with the new vendor who will provide testing for routine analytes needed for research. We are working diligently with the new vendor to establish and operationalize a new agreement; however, it is possible that the contract for the new laboratory may not be in place before the June 30, 2018 transition.
During the transition period, investigators have the option of transitioning their testing to another laboratory. Possible options include the local hospital lab or other testing facility. If appropriate, investigators may batch samples for analysis at the new contract laboratory once it has been operationalized. In addition, investigators may choose to negotiate their own independent agreements with LabCorp if they wish to continue to utilize LabCorp’s services.
As you evaluate the upcoming transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at cci@partners.org for information on the services offered by the new laboratory or contact information should you wish to reach out to the clinical trials group at LabCorp.