> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.carelane.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Service Provider Roles

> Roles for external service providers like central laboratories

Service provider roles enable external organizations to participate in studies by providing centralized services across multiple sites.

## What are Service Providers?

Service providers are external organizations that offer specialized services to a study, such as:

* **Central Laboratories**: Process samples from multiple sites
* **Imaging Centers**: Provide centralized image analysis
* **Core Labs**: Perform specialized assessments

Service providers operate independently from individual sites but interact with data from across the study.

## Available Roles

| Role                     | Code                   | Description                            |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **Laboratory Lead**      | `laboratory-lead`      | Manages laboratory operations and team |
| **Laboratory Assistant** | `laboratory-assistant` | Performs laboratory data entry tasks   |

## Laboratory Lead

The Laboratory Lead manages central laboratory operations for the study.

### Capabilities

* Manage laboratory team members
* Enter and verify laboratory results
* View samples and requests from all sites
* Configure laboratory workflows
* Generate laboratory reports

### Responsibilities

* Ensure timely processing of samples
* Maintain data quality for laboratory results
* Coordinate with site teams on sample collection

## Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistants support the Laboratory Lead with data entry tasks.

### Capabilities

* Enter laboratory results
* View assigned samples and requests
* Access laboratory protocols and procedures

### Limitations

* Cannot manage team members
* Cannot modify laboratory configuration

## Enabling Service Providers

Service providers must be enabled at the study level before they can be configured.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable in Study Settings">
    Navigate to Study Settings > Service Providers and enable the service provider feature.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Service Provider">
    Create a new service provider organization or select an existing one.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Services">
    Define the services this provider will offer (e.g., laboratory panels).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite Team Members">
    Invite Laboratory Lead and Assistant users to the service provider.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Service Provider Selection by Sites

When service providers are enabled:

1. Sites can select from available service providers during onboarding
2. The selected provider receives access to relevant site data
3. Service provider team members can enter results for that site

<Note>
  Some studies allow sites to edit their service provider selection after initial setup. This is controlled at the study level.
</Note>

## Data Flow

```
Site collects sample → Sample sent to Central Lab → Lab enters results → Results visible at site
```

The service provider's data entries are associated with the originating site and participant while being managed by the service provider team.

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Clear Service Definitions">
    Define exactly what services each provider offers and what data they will enter.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Coordinate Turnaround Times">
    Establish expected turnaround times for laboratory results to ensure study timelines are met.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Regular Communication">
    Set up communication channels between service providers and site teams for issue resolution.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Site Setup" icon="hospital" href="/sites-partners/site-setup">
    Configure sites to use service providers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Site Roles" icon="users" href="/roles-permissions/site-roles">
    Roles for local laboratory teams.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>