ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to present an overview of the many factors involved in selecting and using a commercial X-ray powder diffraction analytical laboratory. In the first section we give an overview of the kinds of laboratories that exist and how one goes about selecting a laboratory. In the second section we describe the processes-both business and analytical-followed by a typical laboratory. X-ray diffraction is not an easy science to apply, and a basic knowledge of service laboratory processes can be helpful in selecting a laboratory and in assuring a productive relationship with the service provider over the long term.
