Food and Drug Administration: Insufficient Planning for Field Laboratory Consolidation Decisions.
Abstract
In May 1986, FDA proposed to close five of its field laboratory facilities which house five district laboratories, one specialty laboratory, and three research laboratories. This action would result in the relocation of about one-quarter of FDA's field analytical staff and the elimination of a laboratory presence in 5 of its 21 districts. This would increase to eight the number of districts that lack a laboratory presence in. GAO reviewed the adequacy of FDA's (1) criteria used to identify laboratories for closure or retention, (2) analysis of costs and savings related to the closings, and (3) assessment of the potential impact the closings will have on its ability to accomplish its mission. GAO recommends that before closing any FDA laboratories, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) direct the Commissioner of FDA to assess the present and future laboratory capacity to more closely reflect FSA's analytical and regulatory needs. If a significant amount of unused laboratory capacity is identified, GAO recommends that the Commissioner be required to explore whether cost-effective alternatives to laboratory closure are available to reduce that capacity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188609
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office