> ## 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 Providers

> Configure central laboratories and other service providers

Service providers are external organizations that provide centralized services to your study, such as central laboratories, imaging core facilities, or specialized testing services.

## What are Service Providers?

Service providers:

* Operate independently from individual sites
* Provide services to multiple sites
* Enter data that appears on site participant records
* Have their own team with specific roles

## Common Service Provider Types

| Type                   | Services                                  |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Central Laboratory** | Sample processing, laboratory results     |
| **Core Laboratory**    | Specialized testing (e.g., imaging reads) |
| **Biorepository**      | Sample storage and management             |

## Enabling Service Providers

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Study Settings">
    Go to Study Settings > Service Providers.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Feature">
    Toggle service providers to enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Options">
    Set whether sites can edit their provider selection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Adding Service Providers

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add Provider">
    In Study Settings > Service Providers, click "Add Service Provider".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Details">
    Provide:

    * Organization name
    * Contact information
    * Service type (e.g., Central Laboratory)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Services">
    Define what services this provider offers.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite Team">
    Invite Laboratory Lead and assistants.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Service Provider Roles

| Role                     | Capabilities                                    |
| ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Laboratory Lead**      | Manage team, enter results, configure workflows |
| **Laboratory Assistant** | Enter results, view assignments                 |

See [Service Provider Roles](/roles-permissions/service-provider-roles) for details.

## Site Selection

Sites select service providers during setup:

1. During onboarding, sites view available providers
2. Sites select their preferred provider
3. Provider gains access to that site's participant data
4. Provider can enter results for that site

<Accordion title="Changing Provider Selection">
  If enabled in study settings, sites can change their service provider selection after initial setup. This may require data migration coordination.
</Accordion>

## Data Flow

```
Site creates participant → Sample collected → Sample sent to provider → Provider enters results → Results visible at site
```

### Data Entry by Providers

Providers enter data that:

* Associates with the originating participant
* Is visible to the site team
* Follows the same data quality workflow
* Appears in participant data exports

## Provider Workflows

Assign workflows to service providers:

* Sample processing procedures
* Result entry protocols
* Quality control checklists

## Coordination

### Communication

Establish communication channels between:

* Study team and provider
* Sites and provider

### Turnaround Times

Define expected turnaround times for:

* Sample processing
* Result availability
* Query resolution

### Issue Resolution

Create procedures for handling:

* Missing or damaged samples
* Result discrepancies
* Equipment issues

## Monitoring Provider Performance

Track provider metrics:

| Metric              | Description                                |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Turnaround Time** | Average time from sample receipt to result |
| **Completion Rate** | Percentage of expected results entered     |
| **Query Rate**      | Frequency of data quality queries          |

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Clear Service Agreements">
    Document service expectations, turnaround times, and responsibilities.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Training">
    Ensure provider staff are trained on study-specific requirements.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Regular Communication">
    Schedule regular check-ins between study team and providers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Sample Tracking">
    Implement clear sample tracking procedures from site to provider.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Service Provider Roles" icon="shield" href="/roles-permissions/service-provider-roles">
    Role definitions for provider teams.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Site Setup" icon="gear" href="/sites-partners/site-setup">
    Configure sites to use providers.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>