Consistency, accuracy, achieving the right result . . . this has been the mission of UTAK since our inception in 1973. Today, we still provide the most consistent controls in the industry. Because our business philosophy is strongly linked to our past, I would like to share a little of our history with you.
THE NEED FOR AN INDEPENDENT, VALIDATED CONTROL
Perhaps my father, Larry Plutchak, started the first toxicology control lab ever established. Previously, he had been employed by three labs in the greater Los Angeles area; Riker Labs, Bioscience and the LA County Coroner’s Office. He believed there was a need for a lab that manufactured independent control material using USP standards to ensure the manufacturing process. With my mother at his side, UTAK was started in a small office in Granada Hills, California.
The early years were difficult. Finally, in 1980, partially thanks to Charles Pippenger, Ph.D., at the Cleveland Clinic, business turned for the better. Dr. Pippenger liked the idea of ensuring his assays were in control. Thus, he placed a large order with us. Shortly thereafter, we expanded significantly, almost doubling our annual volume throughout the decade of the 1980s.
“Always provide high quality products.” This is the founding principle of UTAK. Of course, a lab can achieve the correct results when using in-house controls. However, getting the right result provides greater confidence when using independent control material.
Jim Plutchak, CEO
