Validation
Laboratory equipment validation for regulated environments
Ensure reliability and compliance with IQ, OQ and PQ protocols.
Fully documented equipment validation for reliable performance and audit-ready compliance.
Expert validation for laboratory equipment
Unvalidated lab equipment can lead to inaccurate results, compliance risks, and costly disruptions especially in highly regulated environments like pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
Our expert validation service uses Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) protocols to ensure your equipment is correctly installed, and performing within limits. This delivers reliable performance, accurate data, and regulatory confidence you can trust every day.
What we validate
Atmospheric monitors
Autoclaves
Balances
Cabinets
Cell washers
Centrifuges
Chambers
Chillers
Circulators
Cryogenic storage
Freeze dryers
Freezers
Fridges
Gas monitors and detectors
Generators
Incubators
Media preparation
Meters
Microscopes
Ovens
Printers
Scales
Spectrophotometers
Thawers
Water baths
Water systems
Vacuum concentrators
Inclusive support for enhanced value and assurance
Reliable, compliant, and tailored to your lab’s needs, our expert team delivers scalable validation solutions with clear documentation and guidance every step of the way.
One-stop equipment validations
From balances and ovens to fridges and freezers, we cover all your validation needs ensuring consistency across your supply chain and reduced administrative effort. Our validation expertise covers all equipment makes and models.
Custom validation protocol
We customise IQ, OQ, and PQ testing to match your equipment, workflows, and regulatory requirements. This achieves accurate results, reliable performance, and compliance confidence without unnecessary steps.
Inclusive compliance documentation
Every IQ, OQ, and PQ step is fully documented with clear, organised, and transparent records. This gives your team and regulators the evidence they need making compliance simple, traceable, and worry-free.
Scalable equipment validations
Our engineers deliver IQ, OQ, and PQ validation services for standalone instruments or entire equipment fleets spanning across your operations, providing expert support regardless of the size or complexity of the task.
Quality and competence guaranteed
With over 450 years of IQ, OQ, and PQ validation expertise, our engineers have the skill and know-how to help you meet the most stringent regulatory specifications.
Our services follow recognised standards for quality management, risk control, environmental responsibility and health and safety, giving you confidence that your equipment validation is consistent, documented and ready for audit.

FAQ
What is laboratory equipment validation?
Depending on your requirements, IQ, OQ, PQ validation is the process of testing and documenting that lab equipment is correctly installed, operates within required limits, and delivers reliable results for its intended use. All steps are fully documented to support compliance and traceability.
What is Installation Qualification (IQ)?
Installation Qualification (IQ) verifies that equipment is installed correctly and meets manufacturer specifications, forming the foundation of most validation projects. At Labserve, we help labs define the scope of IQ, providing guidance, support, and example protocols to ensure installations are fully documented and compliant.
What is Operational Qualification (OQ)?
Operational Qualification (OQ) confirms that equipment operates within its defined parameters under normal operating conditions. Most regulated labs are expected to complete this stage of validation. Labserve has extensive experience executing OQ, supporting equipment ranging from temperature-controlled systems to complex analytical instruments.
What is Performance Qualification (PQ)?
Performance Qualification (PQ) demonstrates that equipment performs consistently under real operating conditions. This typically involves testing the system using actual load configurations and intended operating scenarios. At Labserve, we work closely with labs to develop and execute high-quality PQ protocols, generating meaningful data that supports regulated processes.
How long does equipment validation take?
Equipment validation time depends on the type and complexity of the equipment. In most cases, validation can be completed within a few hours to a couple of days, with minimal disruption to your laboratory operations.
Which lab equipment does Labserve validate?
We validate a wide range of laboratory equipment, including balances, centrifuges, freezers and more. If the instrument validation you need isn’t listed, start a conversation for bespoke support.
What documentation will I receive?
Depending on your specification, you’ll receive IQ, OQ and/or PQ protocols and reports, along with test results and supporting documentation. All documents are fully traceable and suitable for audit and compliance records.
How often should equipment be requalified?
Requalification frequency depends on the equipment type, risk level, and internal quality procedures. It’s typically carried out periodically, after major repairs, relocation, or other significant changes to ensure the equipment continues to perform as intended.
What happens if equipment fails validation tests?
If equipment fails validation tests, the issue is documented and investigated to identify the cause. We’ll carry out mechanical or electrical adjustments where practical to restore performance. If a repair isn’t possible, we’ll provide guidance on suitable replacement options and associated costs to help minimise disruption and downtime.
Brands we work with:
Testimonials
We've been working with C&M Scientific ltd (now Labserve) for the maintenance, repair and calibration of our lab equipment for some time, and we couldn't be more pleased with their service. Fran and team consistently deliver outstanding support - from prompt and clear communication to the friendly and professional attitude of service engineers. Whilst on site engineers are respectful of our working environment, carrying out their work efficiently and with minimal disruption to our lab activities. Their expertise is evident, and they always leave us with full confidence that our equipment is in safe hands, and service reports are always delivered promptly after visits, providing us with clear and comprehensive information. I would highly recommend them to any lab users looking for reliable, high-quality service and support.
"We have used Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) for a number of years for our calibration needs and without question, we have always found them to be prompt and professional, a great service."
"Northern Balance (now Labserve) has been servicing and supplying balances to us for more than 20 years. In that time we have come to always expect a high level of service given by friendly and knowledgeable staff."
"Gateshead Foodbank was awarded a grant from National Highways to improve our warehouse facilities. Top of our shopping list was a set of roll-on scales that would greatly improve our food handling and safety processes. Northern Balance (now Labserve) went above and beyond not only in that they ensured we had the most appropriate equipment to do what we wanted but that they made a magnanimous gesture in providing the equipment for free. That allowed us to use the funds freed to purchase other much needed equipment. The Trustees of Gateshead Foodbank would like to express their profound thanks to Paul and his team at Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) and would highly recommend them to anyone."
"Thank you very much for not only keeping your promise but improving upon it."
"Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) has been working with us for more than a decade. During this time the service has been great and I’ve found all of the staff from the service engineer to people back at the office to be friendly, very helpful and professional."
"Thanks again to your Engineers for an efficient calibration, very much appreciated."
"Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) is one of our best contractors, always willing to assist at a moment’s notice, excellent customer service and we’ve always had a very good working relationship."
"Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) were an invaluable partner in the run-up to our successful MHRA audit for the RNA Centre of Excellence by providing us with critical UKAS weighing calibrations for our laboratory balances. The support from service engineer, Danny and the wider Northern Balance team made the process seamless and straightforward. Thereby greatly complementing our in-house team in the build up to this key GMP milestone."
"Whilst your engineer was here I asked him to do a bit of training of our lab staff and manufacturing staff over the correct way to use a balance, clean a balance, correct maintenance etc. This was very useful to both areas of our company and I am appreciative of him doing it. It is precisely this kind of helpfulness that your engineers have shown over the years that has maintained our business with Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) and that keeps us with Northern Balance."
“Sustainability is an ongoing journey. By combining engineering expertise with responsible practices, Labserve helps organisations reduce waste, extend asset life, and achieve better long-term outcomes.”
"We’d like to express our profound thanks to Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) for your contribution to validating our new moisture analyser as part of a detailed change control process. The input into the testing and documentation processes from your technical manager, Tony over the course of four weeks was really appreciated and helped to find a way forward. As well as helping to verify the suitability of the equipment for our production processes, your support also enabled us to resume the release of several important products on behalf of our pharmaceutical clients."
"It’s been a pleasure to be involved with your company, and I must comment that out of all the companies that we have deal with, without doubt, and by a street that Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) is the most professional and efficient. I’ve never had any reason to question the service you provide."
"When complete certificates are emailed to us electronically within hours of the calibration being completed, which is in my opinion testimony to the dedication and commitment of Northern Balance (now known as Labserve) to their customers. I would definitely use again and recommend the use of Northern Balance to others."