From Neigh to Yay: Balancing Empathetic Engagement and Boundaries in Challenging Conversations
About VMRD Testing Services
Our Story
John and Patricia Black founded American BioResearch in 1985. The new company performed virology-related services, consulting, reagent manufacture, and virus and cell seed production. Initially John performed all technical functions in a 1500 square foot cinderblock building in the countryside of Milton, Tennessee.
By 1992, John and Pat moved their facilities to Seymour, Tennessee. In 1995, as the business continued to expand, American BioResearch hired its first technician. By 1998 John was no longer able to meet the increasing requests for testing in the Seymour facility so the business expanded to a 5000 square foot facility in Sevierville, Tennessee. This move was soon followed by the hire of 3 additional technicians. Under the guidance of John, the company continued to grow because it offered the high quality and personal service that set the foundation of what ABR is today...READ MORE
Integrity
In keeping with our company values of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, we test your samples with the same care and diligence that we apply to our own samples. You want results quickly, but you also need to make sure that your product is free of adventitious agents and that the regulatory testing requirements have been satisfied. We keep both things in mind as we work with your sample and are constantly improving our processes.
Experience
We have more than 34 years of business experience and over 50 years of combined laboratory testing experience. We have optimized and refined our methods, bench records, and reporting for maximum accuracy and acceptability to regulatory officials. We have accessioned over 6500 test articles, published more than 13,000 final reports and worked with over 90 customers within the last 6 years. This experience allows us to offer a wide range of regulatory and custom testing suited to each customer’s needs.
Quality
VMRD testing is performed by highly qualified staff to current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP, 21CFR §58). We are continually investing in our quality management system that encompasses all aspects of our testing services. We are currently registered to ISO 9001:2015 and offer ISO 17025:2017 accredited testing. Our laboratory currently operates in a USDA licensed facility. Our assays are internally validated or verified to provide the best possible sensitivity for the detection of adventitious agents. We welcome customer audits and look forward to hosting you and/or your company’s representative.
Convenience
Our assay offerings are geared toward providing one-stop testing, saving you time and money. Sample submission, test selection, and result reporting are facilitated through a secure online portal providing easy, self-service access to current and previous test results. Our dedicated sales staff are always available to assist with any inquiries and our Study Directors are happy to consult on any technical matters.
The Rest of the Story
...Because of the close working relationship between John and Dr. Adams, President and CEO of VMRD Inc., there were many years of discussion that it was very sensible that at some point VMRD would assume ownership of ABR so John and his wife Pat could enjoy more time with their family. Of course, John also envisioned spending more quality time astride his cherished Harley Davidsons.
In the early spring of 2006, plans were put into action for the purchase of American BioResearch by VMRD. The goal was to perform joint testing and make a gradual transition to the Pullman, Washington facilities where ABR is currently located. Unfortunately John fell ill and passed away in the early summer of 2006 so it was necessary to expedite the transition. Following completion of the new Pullman, Washington facilities and rigorous validation and training, the transition was completed earlier than originally planned. On February 1, 2007, the Sevierville, Tennessee facilities ceased receiving samples and since then all samples have been sent to the Pullman site for testing.
Though in a different location, ABR continued to provide the same great service they had become known for over the years. Dr. Travis McGuire and Dr. Scott Adams fully reviewed and revamped testing procedures and the work continued with new technicians. In June 2011, we added Mycoplasma testing to our service list, providing even more options to our clients. As of May 16, 2016, ABR is known officially the services division of VMRD.
Our facility has state-of-the-art equipment and eight full-time employees. Testing is performed using many of the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). At VMRD, our vision is to provide high quality services and support to our customers and a harmonious and rewarding work environment for our employees. Every day we endeavor to offer the highest quality service to our customers, along with world-class quality assurance and industry-leading turnaround time.