Research Triangle Park, NC – Enthalpy Analytical, Inc. is taking an unusual approach to analyzing samples for drug discovery and development. Departing from the typical “assembly line” model used by most bioanalytical service providers, Enthalpy has introduced a team-based, multidisciplinary strategy that gives all members of the team ownership in the analysis process.
Enthalpy’s system contributes substantially to the company’s reputation for timely data delivery and reduces reanalysis rates to less than five percent. In contrast, larger labs that organize their workflows in production line fashion can experience reanalysis rates as high as 25 percent during difficult periods, and may take weeks to troubleshoot and resolve problems.
Enthalpy makes one team responsible for all phases of the process, from method development through validation, extraction, analysis, and data workup. Each team member has ownership throughout the cycle, and because the model requires each member to have a thorough understanding of the entire process, any problems are efficiently resolved.
In Enthalpy’s model, the client’s primary point of contact is the scientist who develops the method and supervises the downstream process. A single analyst then takes the samples from extraction through data workup. The result is that everyone involved in the process always knows what’s going on and can provide useful, timely information at any point during sample processing.
“We look at sample analysis as a value-added scientific service, not a system where a commodity product is being assembled,” said Todd Grosshandler, Enthalpy’s Vice President. “The assembly line model rewards simplifying each part of the process until anyone could do it, which simply can’t produce the level of analytical thinking our clients need and expect. Our strategy is to bring in the best people we can find, and then to streamline their work by investing in automation and technology where it’s appropriate.”
“If there is any ‘downside,’ it’s that we take longer to get new employees up to speed,” explains Mike Allen, Director of Enthalpy’s Bioanalytical Division. “To begin with, we’re very careful about who we hire. We pass on a lot of potential hires because they lack the skills and abilities necessary for them to function well in a variety of roles. And, multidisciplinary training takes time. But it yields significant benefits in the quality and efficiency of the results we produce and in the care we take of our clients. We also have extremely low employee turnover, which is critical - after our careful hiring process, we don’t give anyone any reason to leave Enthalpy.” Allen added that in six years, Enthalpy has lost only one employee.
Enthalpy Analytical, Inc. was founded in 1993 to provide analytical support for the environmental and pharmaceutical industries. Enthalpy today remains true to its mission of providing accurate, high-quality analytical services in a timely manner and for a reasonable cost. Privately held Enthalpy increased its staff by 30 percent in 2008, and revenues were up 50 percent for the year. The company is committed to substantial reinvestment in instrumentation and automation, and during the past three years has spent millions of dollars on new equipment.
Enthalpy's Bioanalytical Division began offering GLP-compliant LC/MS/MS bioanalytical services in 2003 and has since experienced significant growth. The division provides unusually responsive service featuring a single point of contact, quick turnaround times, and reliable, accurate results every time.
