Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our services? Below are answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you don't see your question here, reach out. Our team is happy to help!
Consulting
Yes. MES consulting supports both early planning and later implementation phases, including layout coordination, equipment planning, and operational readiness. This ensures recommendations are practical and aligned with real-world constraints such as space, utilities, staffing, and timelines. Carrying guidance through implementation helps prevent misalignment between strategy and execution. Supporting both phases results in smoother transitions and fewer costly adjustments once the lab is operational.
Yes. Lab consultants help labs interpret and apply CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory requirements as they relate to layout, workflows, safety, and daily operations. This often includes identifying compliance gaps, advising on corrective actions, and helping labs prepare for inspections or audits. Addressing compliance proactively during planning or operational reviews reduces the risk of deficiencies and repeat findings. Consulting support also helps ensure compliance decisions align with long-term operational goals.
Lab consulting improves efficiency by analyzing specimen flow from accessioning through processing, interpretation, and reporting. Consultants evaluate equipment placement, handoffs between steps, staffing patterns, and physical layout to identify bottlenecks and unnecessary movement. These insights lead to targeted recommendations that streamline processes and support consistent turnaround times. Improving workflow not only increases efficiency but also reduces staff strain and operational risk.
Labs typically bring in a consultant when planning growth, expanding services, addressing persistent workflow challenges, or preparing for inspections. A consultant is especially valuable before major changes such as renovations, relocations, new equipment purchases, or adding new testing capabilities. Bringing in a consultant early helps ensure decisions around layout, processes, and equipment are aligned from the start. This proactive approach reduces costly redesigns, delays, and operational disruptions.
A histology and pathology lab consultant evaluates how a laboratory functions across workflow, layout, staffing, equipment usage, and compliance requirements. This includes identifying inefficiencies in specimen flow, assessing space utilization, and flagging operational or regulatory risks that may impact performance. Consultants provide practical recommendations grounded in real-world lab operations, not theoretical models. The goal is to help labs operate reliably, reduce errors, and make informed decisions that support both current needs and future growth.
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Lab Buildout
Early planning is critical because lab layout, equipment placement, and utility requirements are difficult and expensive to change after construction begins. Proper planning reduces workflow inefficiencies, compliance risks, and downtime. It also ensures the lab can scale and perform reliably over the long term.
The timeline for a histology or pathology lab buildout varies based on lab size, scope, and permitting, but most projects take several months from planning to operational readiness. Early design decisions, coordination with contractors, and equipment lead times all influence the schedule. Starting with a clear plan helps keep the project on track.
Histology and pathology lab buildouts must meet requirements from agencies such as CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and local building authorities. These regulations impact room layout, ventilation, chemical storage, safety equipment, and workflow separation. Addressing compliance during the planning phase helps avoid delays, failed inspections, and costly redesigns.
An efficient histology or pathology lab layout is designed around specimen flow, staff safety, and turnaround time. This includes separating clean and contaminated areas, minimizing handoffs, positioning equipment to reduce movement, and ensuring proper ventilation, electrical, and plumbing support. Good lab design reduces bottlenecks, errors, and rework.
Histology and pathology lab buildout services typically include lab layout planning, workflow design, equipment planning and placement, utility coordination, regulatory guidance, equipment installation, and operational readiness support. The goal is to create a compliant, efficient lab that supports accurate testing, safe specimen handling, and reliable daily operations.
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Furniture
Laboratory furniture is not part of formal inspection or compliance requirements. However, it must properly support the weight and dimensions of the equipment it houses and be appropriate for the laboratory space. Selecting the right furnishings helps ensure equipment stability, safe operation, and an efficient workspace layout.
Yes. MES coordinates laboratory furniture planning with equipment placement to ensure proper spacing, fit, and workflow alignment. This integrated approach reduces installation issues and supports efficient lab operations. Coordinated planning helps labs become operational faster and with fewer adjustments.
MES offers laboratory furniture in materials such as metal, laminate, stainless steel, and specialty finishes. Material selection depends on cleaning requirements, durability needs, and the lab’s environment. Choosing the right materials supports safety, longevity, and compliance.
When choosing laboratory furniture, consider workflow, available space, durability, safety requirements, and equipment integration. Furniture should support efficient specimen handling, proper work surfaces, and long-term daily use. The right selection helps improve productivity and reduce strain on staff.
Yes. MES provides lab layout planning to determine optimal furniture placement based on workflow, safety requirements, and laboratory design. This planning ensures workstations, benches, and storage support efficient movement and daily processes. Proper placement helps maximize usable space and reduce workflow disruptions.
Yes. MES offers custom laboratory furniture designed to fit your lab’s space, workflow, and operational needs. Furniture can be customized by size, configuration, materials, and finishes to support daily lab activities. Custom options help ensure proper fit, durability, and efficient use of space.
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Services
If you’re unsure which service your lab needs, MES can help assess your situation. Our team considers your equipment, workflows, compliance requirements, and operational goals to recommend the right mix of lab services and support.
Response times vary based on service type and location, but MES prioritizes timely support to minimize operational disruption. On average, our team responds within 24 to 48 hours to assess your needs and coordinate repair, technical support, or next steps to keep your lab running.
MES helps laboratories maintain compliance through preventative maintenance, service documentation, and operational guidance aligned with regulatory requirements such as CLIA and CAP. Our lab services are designed to reduce compliance risk while supporting reliable lab operations and patient care.
Yes. MES supports both new and established laboratories. We help new labs with planning, design, equipment selection, and setup, while also providing ongoing lab management support services such as maintenance, repair, and technical support for existing lab operations.
Medical Equipment Source provides full lab support services for histology and pathology labs, including equipment repair, preventative maintenance, technical support, lab consulting, lab design and buildouts, and laboratory furniture. Our services support daily lab operations, help maintain compliance, and reduce downtime across the entire lab lifecycle.
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Equipment Repair
MES aims to have a service technician on site within 24 to 48 hours, depending on your location, equipment type, and the urgency of the issue. Once you contact us, our team quickly reviews the situation and determines whether the next step is technical support, an on-site repair visit, or in-house service to minimize downtime and disruption.
Loaner equipment may be available in select cases, depending on the equipment type and current availability. When a loaner is not an option, our team works to expedite repairs and explore alternative solutions to keep your lab operational.
MES provides nationwide repair and technical support for histology and pathology laboratories across the United States. Our service team is equipped to support labs in a wide range of geographic locations.
MES helps you evaluate whether repair or replacement makes the most sense based on equipment condition, performance history, availability of parts, and long-term reliability. Our goal is to provide clear guidance so you can make an informed decision that balances cost, downtime, and future operational needs.
MES provides equipment repair services for a wide range of histology and pathology instruments, including cryostats, microtomes, tissue processors, embedding centers, slide stainers, coverslippers, printers, and other essential laboratory equipment. Our technicians work with both newer and legacy instruments and understand the operational demands of high-use laboratory environments.
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Technical Support
Response time depends on the nature and urgency of the issue, but MES technical support is structured to respond as quickly as possible. Many concerns can be reviewed shortly after contact when error details and equipment information are available. Prompt support helps labs determine next steps and minimize workflow disruption. Clear information from the lab helps speed resolution.
MES technical support helps address issues related to equipment performance, setup, configuration, and workflow impact. Common examples include temperature variation, cutting quality concerns, processing cycle issues, control or software errors, and inconsistent results. Our approach focuses on how the equipment is being used, not just the equipment itself. This allows labs to resolve problems safely and efficiently.
Yes. MES technical support can often troubleshoot equipment issues remotely by reviewing symptoms, settings, error messages, and recent changes to use or workflow. Our technicians guide labs through checks and adjustments in real time when possible. This process helps quickly identify the issue or determine if on-site service is needed. Remote support often shortens response time and limits disruption.
A lab should contact MES technical support when equipment is not performing as expected but has not experienced a clear mechanical failure. This includes issues such as temperature instability, poor section quality, processing inconsistencies, or error codes. Our team helps assess whether the issue can be resolved through adjustments, settings review, or user guidance before scheduling service. This approach helps reduce downtime and unnecessary repair visits.
MES technical support covers common histology and pathology equipment such as cryostats, microtomes, tissue processors, slide stainers, coverslippers, and related systems. Our team focuses on understanding performance issues, error messages, and setup or configuration concerns. The goal is to help labs identify the source of a problem and determine appropriate next steps. Technical support guides diagnosis and resolution rather than performing physical repairs.
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Preventative Maintenance
No. Preventative maintenance does not replace the need for repairs. It is designed to reduce the risk of unexpected failures, not eliminate them entirely. If potential issues are identified during a preventative maintenance visit, MES documents the findings and works with the laboratory to determine next steps if repair service is needed. This approach helps labs address problems early rather than reacting to unplanned equipment downtime.
Preventative maintenance does not automatically include replacement parts. During a preventative maintenance visit, technicians inspect equipment, assess wear, and document findings using a standardized PM checklist. If parts replacement or repair is recommended, MES reviews the findings with the laboratory before any additional service is scheduled. This ensures transparency and helps avoid unexpected costs.
Yes. Preventative maintenance can be scheduled around laboratory operations. MES coordinates visits in advance and aligns service timing with lab workflows to minimize disruption. Maintenance frequency and timing are tailored based on equipment type, usage patterns, and operational needs, allowing laboratories to maintain productivity while keeping equipment properly serviced.
Preventative maintenance is often required or expected under laboratory accreditation standards, regulatory guidelines, manufacturer recommendations, or internal quality policies, depending on the laboratory type and equipment in use. Organizations such as CAP, CLIA, and ISO do not mandate a single maintenance schedule for all equipment, but they do require laboratories to demonstrate that equipment is properly maintained and monitored. During audits, documented preventative maintenance records are commonly reviewed as evidence of compliance. MES provides documented preventative maintenance checklists that support audit readiness, internal quality programs, and equipment performance tracking.
Most oversight organizations require laboratory equipment to receive preventative maintenance at least once per year. The exact frequency and scope depend on the equipment type, manufacturer recommendations, usage level, and individual laboratory policies. During inspections or audits, documented preventative maintenance records are reviewed to confirm that equipment is properly maintained and functioning as intended. MES provides documented preventative maintenance checklists to support compliance, audit readiness, and reliable equipment performance.
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