I N T E R N A T I O N A L

C O N T R I B U T O R

Qualification of Quality Control

Laboratories
By Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.
International Clean Rooms Control Engineering

he basic concepts of Quality

In the Food and Drug AdministraAssurance (QA), Good Mantions (FDA) inspection of QC laborufacturing Practice (GMP),
atories, they evaluate raw laboratory
By using
and Quality Control (QC) are interequipment and methods validation
related. QA is responsible for endata to determine the overall quality of
the validation/
suring defective product does not
the laboratory operation and the ability
qualification
reach the market, they assist proto comply with cGMP regulations.
duction in running a satisfactory
By using the validation/qualificaapproach,
the
process, assist production in trouble
tion approach, the QC laboratories
shooting, and provide the final indeQC laboratories can achieve the highest product conpendent judgement of a products
trol. Pharmaceutical process validacan achieve
suitability for sale. The responsibiltion/qualification defines the types
ity for quality is shared between proof procedures needed to assure that
the highest
duction, QA, and QC.
product quality is maintained.
As mentioned in the European product control.
Figure 1 illustrates the main critGuide for GMPs (Pharmaceutical
ical areas submitted to the validaLegislation volume four [4])1
tion/qualification approach:
Each holder of a manufacturing
authorization should have a QC department. This de Analytical methods (physical, chemical, and micropartment should be independent from other departbiological)
ments and under the authority of a person with appro Equipment
priate qualifications and experience. The QC depart Procedures
ment is concerned with sampling, specification, and
Document control
testing, as well as the organization, documentation
Reference standards and reagents
and release procedures that ensure that the necessary
Statistics and data treatment
and relevant tests are carried out, and that materials
Analytical Methods Validation
are not released for use, nor products released for
sale or supply, until their quality has been judged satStandard Requirements
isfactory.
The objective of method validation is to demonThe important and vital role of the QC department
strate through systematic evaluation that an analytimake it the first target of quality compliance inspeccal method is adequate for its intended use. In partictors. The QC laboratories inspection requires the use
ular, validation is useful in ensuring that when the
of observations of the laboratories in operation, and of
method is applied in different laboratories, it is capathe raw data to evaluate compliance with current Good
ble of giving reproducible and reliable results.
Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
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Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

Figure 1

Main Qualification/Validation Areas in Quality Control Laboratories

Quality Control Laboratories Procedures and Activities Qualification
Engineering

Equipment

Validation File

DQ/SQ

Validation
Analytical Methods
(Physical, Chemical,
and Microbiology)

Reference Standards and

Reagents

Procedures and
Data Treatment

Raw Material

Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs)

Working Standards
Preparation

Packaging Materials

General Procedures

Reagents Preparation and Storage

Bulk Materials

Stability Protocols

Finished Products

Trends Analysis
and Statistical Data

IQ

OQ
Stability Indicating
Assay
PQ

Environmental
Testing

Operational Instruction

Water Testing

Calibration Protocols

Compressed Air,
Gas, and Steam

Annual Calibration
Plan

Cleaning Analytical
Method

Calibration Frequency
Calibration Requirements

Cleaning Agents
Residuals

Logbook and
Maintenance
Product Residuals

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DQ:
IQ:
OQ:
PQ:
SQ:

Design Qualification
Installation Qualification
Operational Qualification
Performance Qualification
Specification Qualification

Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

The FDA, the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and European Union (EU) have clearly
defined requirements for validation of all processes and
analytical methods used in the production, formulation,
and distribution of finished pharmaceuticals.
The method validation or method performance applies for all material testing methods of any material
in relation to product manufacturing including; raw
materials and packaging materials, intermediate and
bulk products, finished products, stability indicating
assays, environmental testing (swabs, air samples, etc.),
water testing, compressed air, gases, steam, and cleaning methods (chemical residuals of drug formula, cleaning agent residuals).
Validation of analytical methods ensures conformance to corporate and regulatory standards established for individual analytical methods.
The requirements for method validation will depend upon the particular test being conducted, and the
particular technique being applied. In fact, method validation is the final step in a dynamic process, similar
to that which a drug undergoes from discovery through
final product approval.
Method validation starts with the definition of the
technical objective. It proceeds from its selection
through the development necessary to ensure that the
method meets the technical objective.
Progressing to the preparation of the final testing
procedure, and the protocol defining the specifics of
the validation experiments, it concludes with the performance of the formal validation. A successful validation guarantees that both technical and regulatory
objectives of the analytical method have been fulfilled.
Since a successful validation requires the cooperative efforts of several departments including; Regulatory Affairs, QC, and Analytical Research and
Development, it is essential that the organization has
a well defined Validation Master Plan (VMP) for
analytical methods. Therefore, successful fulfillment
of the regulatory and technical objectives requires
total management support.
Scope
A minority of analytical methods may require very
little validation (e.g., pH measurement, appearance,
conductivity measurement). Where reduced validation
is carried out, the justification should be documented.
Under certain circumstances, it may not be neces-

sary to examine all aspects of method validation. In

this instance, several stages may be reduced if:
Only one analyst is ever likely to apply the final
method
The method is applied only to intermediate or starting materials and not finished product
The sample matrix is very simple (e.g., water,
compressed air, gases, etc.)
The requirements of the method are judged to reduce validation requirements
Compendial pharmacopoeial methods must be
validated for formulation and/or matrix effects,
or must be verified for their suitability under the
actual conditions of use
Analytical method validation is applied to all analytical methods developed for the analysis of:
Major components of bulk substances or actives
ingredients, including preservatives in finished
pharmaceutical products
Impurities or degradation compounds in bulk drug
substances or in finished products
Performance characteristics, such as dissolution,
disintegration, etc.
Cleaning validation

System Requirements
Criteria
Establishing Criteria
Criteria for validation of an assay is established by
the developer with consideration of the stage of development and the analytical test method; and for conformance to corporate and regulatory standards.
Guidelines for validation can be found in chapter
1225 of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).2
A detailed guideline by analytical test is detailed
in Figure 2.
Performance Criteria
Selectivity/Specificity
Few techniques are specific (i.e., each analyte will
produce a totally unique response).
Many techniques are selective (i.e., High Performance
Liquid Chromatography [HPLC], Gas Chromatography
[GC], Capillary Electrophoresis [CE], Spectro Fluoro-

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Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

Figure 2

Analytical Method Validation Parameters

Analytical Method Validation Parameters
Method

Accuracy

Precision Linearity
(Repeatability)

Loss of Drying

Yes

Yes

Water by KF
Titration

Yes

Yes

Reproduci- Selectivity Specificity Limit of

Limit of
Ruggedness/
bility
Detection Quantitation Robustness

Solvent by 1H
NMR

Yes

Yes

Related
Impurities By:
HPLC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

GC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

TLC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

CE

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

IC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

CE

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wet Chemical
Test

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Anions/Cations:

A (One Percent,
One cm)

Yes

Yes

Metals by
ICP-AES

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Swab Analysis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dust Analysis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

CE:
GC:
HPLC:
IC:
ICP:

Capillary Electrophoresis
Gas Chromatography
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Ion Chromatography
Inductively Coupled Plasma

photometry Chromatography [SFC], Thin Layer Chromatography [TLC], Ultra Violet [UV] spectroscopy,
mass spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
spectroscopy, etc.), and demonstrate an ability to discriminate between analytes. It should be noted that the terms
specificity and selectivity are not the same. It must therefore be clearly defined in the method objectives whether
specificity or selectivity is the required parameter.
In the selectivity, the analytical method must be
shown to be capable of accurate, selective measurement
of the analyte in the presence of other components that
may be expected to be present. These may include: impurities of synthesis, degradation products, excipients,
preservation, internal standards, and their degradants,
and finally any other active ingredients in a formulation.
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KF:
Karl Fischer Titration
NMR:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
ICP-AES: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission
Spectrometry
TLC:
Thin Layer Chromatography

At the 95% confidence level, the procedure should

not have a significant bias. Specificity is demonstrated if:
The assay shows no significant interference from
known degradation products
There is no significant interference from the product excipients with the potency assay
Bulk drug assays have no significant interference
attributable to known degradation products and
process impurities
When the potential interfering substances are spiked
into the method, recovery should be at least 90%, and
Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) should not exceed
two percent.3

Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

Precision (Repeatability)
Precision is a measure of the degree of reproducibility of the analytical methods under normal operating circumstances being an expression of the agreement between replicate measurements made on identical test material under the same conditions (same
operator, same interval of time).
The precision of an analytical method is usually expressed as the standard deviation of variation) of replicate test results.
Precision is a function of the size of the acceptance
range or specifications, and the consideration of the
samples assayed, with consideration of the overall operational efficiency.
The RSD should be typically <1% for standards
measurements, <1.5 % in precision evaluation of standard preparation, and the same value could be used as
a rough guideline for precision evaluation of sample
preparation. For microbiological assays, RSD five percent or less could be accepted.
The criteria for acceptability of RSD values will depend greatly on the type of method used, and may vary
with sample type, for example, a higher RSD may be
acceptable for blends, inhalers, trace, limit tests, etc.
Reproducibility
Reproducibility is the precision of a method as
measured under certain circumstances. It is an expression of the agreement between replicate measurements
made on identical test material under different conditions, operators, apparatus, laboratories, and/or times.
It is termed intermediate precision in the ICH guidelines on validation.4 To evaluate reproducibility of an
analytical method, an exercise could be performed by
two analysts on one or more sets of samples sufficient
for at least three determinations to be carried out on
each set. The overall RSD of less than 2.0% would be
expected. Higher values may be acceptable, depending
upon sample type, and significantly higher values may
be acceptable for trace analysis.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a measure of the closeness of the results obtained by the true value. Accuracy is often determined from recovery studies over a given range. Acceptable tolerances for accuracy parameters are a function of the test method, and the concentration of the
component being measured.

Accuracy limits and ranges are determined by the

function of the test. Recovery experiments involve application of the analytical method to sample preparations where a known quantity of the analyte(s) of interest has been added to the matrix, or a synthetic
copy of the matrix in which the analyte(s) is to be analyzed. The recovery may be expressed as the percentage recovered by the assay of a known added
amount of analyte.
In addition to recovery studies, consideration may
be given to comparison of the results from the method
undergoing validation with those obtained by an alternative test procedure that should be as different as
possible from the procedure being validated.
Linearity
It is an assessment of the methods ability to give
results that are proportional to the concentration of analyte in the samples within a given range. Establishing the linearity of response by preparing ideally at
least five reasonably distributed standards of the active(s) of interest at concentrations range from typically 20% to 150% of the theoretical. A linear regression analysis of the results is carried out versus concentration (e.g., response versus weight of analyte
taken). The equation of the line, correlation coefficient, and intercept should be documented (the total
number of standard curves should be 45).
Three analysts, running three separate assays using
five sets of controls in each assay/linearity needs to be
determined over the full range of the assay.
Typically, the correlation coefficient should be
greater than 0.997 (a straight line is 1.0). The intercept (expressed as percentage of the typical response
for the nominal concentration) should be typically
within the range two percent for a main component assay.
A higher value may be acceptable for the determination of related impurities.
Ruggedness
Method ruggedness is a measure of how small
changes in operational parameters affect the qualification of the analyte.
It is determined by evaluating those potential variables that result from multiple technicians, multiple
laboratories, different instruments, different environmental conditions, etc.

Equipment and Instrumentation Qualification

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Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

Each of the potential variables should be listed, and

then a determination made as to how experimentally
each can be evaluated in a controlled experiment.
Method ruggedness can be evaluated also by making
deliberate, small changes to the operating conditions,
and assessing whether such changes have any significant effect upon the validity of the method.
ICH guidelines identify robustness/ruggedness as
reproducibility. The robustness/ruggedness differs

as to how experimentally each can be evaluated in a

controlled experiment.

Stability of Standard and Sample

It is always important to determine the stability of
prepared samples and standards. Even if it is required
that samples and standards be prepared just prior to
use. Stability must be considered since these solutions
may sit on an auto sampler rack for 12 to 24 hours or
more when large sample volumes
long run times are involved.
The Code of Federal Regulations andThe
study of sample and standard
(CFR), Chapter 21, Part 211.194
solutions stability may determine the
interval that can be allowconcerning Laboratory Records, maximum
ed between sample preparation and
requires that: the suitability of analysis, under the defined conditions (e.g., temperature required, light
all testing methods shall be
exposition).

verified under the actual

conditions of use.

from reproducibility in that more than one sample is

involved, and may be determined as part of the transfer of a method.
Limit of Detection
The limit of detection is the lowest concentration
of analyte in a sample that can be detected, but not
necessarily accurately or precisely quantified under
the stated experimental conditions.
The limit of detection is typically defined as the concentration giving a signal-to-noise ratio of: 3 (S/N = 3).
Sensitivity (Limit of Quantification)
Limit of quantification is the lowest concentration
of analyte in a sample that can be determined with
acceptable precision and accuracy under the stated
analytical conditions. Typically, the limit of quantitation is defined as the concentration given a signal-tonoise ratio of 10 (S/N = 10).
Potential Interference
Assays may have interference from water, containers, buffers, chemical impurities, reagents, etc. A
blank sample should be prepared and tested in order
to identify the potential interference. This interference should then be listed, and a determination made
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System Suitability Checks (SSCs)

The Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Chapter 21, Part 211.194 concerning Laboratory Records, 5,6 requires that: the
suitability of all testing methods shall be verified
under the actual conditions of use.
Therefore, at this stage of the method validation, the
analytical chemist must experimentally demonstrate
the methods ability to achieve the regulatory and technical objectives. Typical examples of the SSCs that
might be applied to chromatographic methods are resolution between two closely resolved peaks, column
efficiency, and peak tailing
System Sequence
During the documentation of the validated method, it
is imperative to define the assay sequence.
The system or assay sequence describes the following:
How many analyses of each standard and sample
are required? How many sample analyses can be
run between standard analyses? Are samples analyzed using bracketing standards, the average of
all standards, or the first standards only?
Is a standard run at the end of all analyses used to
confirm that the system is still suitable? What
are the requirements for the analyzed standard
value?

Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

An assay sequence is necessary to define the

method precision or batch testing portion of the validation, and to confirm that once that assay sequence
has been validated, it is used for all additional sample
analyses.
Change Control and Revalidation
Methods should be continually appraised and any
changes in performance should be noted.
Following a change to a method, additional validation will be required.
Documentation of a new method or changes to an
existing method must be reviewed and approved prior
to changing the actual practice. There must be a system that provides for retrieval and review of the documentation for all changes to a method.

Method Assessment and Documentation

Once a method has been developed, it must be formally documented in a final analytical test and validation protocol.
Validation experiments are designed to adequately test and optimize the method parameters.
Validation experiments are performed using established criteria to determine the acceptability of the
method as appropriate. Suitable statistical evaluations
of test data are utilized to determine conformance to
the established criteria.
Method Validation Protocol
The validation protocol is the culmination of all the
regulatory and technical accomplishments up to this
point in the development of the method. Therefore, developing the validation protocol is the most important
step in the validation process.
The validation protocol states how the validation
will be conducted, the key variables evaluated, what
analytical testing methods are required, and what constitutes acceptable results.
The validation final report analyzes the data and
summarizes the findings.
The validation protocol must define which validation parameters are needed, and the specific experiments necessary to demonstrate the validity of the
analytical method. The protocol must contain all of
the acceptance criteria for each of the relevant validation parameters. Additionally, the protocol must define

the number of replicates, reporting format, and number of significant figures. Briefly, the validation protocol instructs the analyst on how to validate the analytical method.
The validation protocol contains the following main
sections:
Approval page and signatures
Title
Purpose
Introduction
Responsibilities
Definitions.
Prequalification requirements:
Objectives
Configurations and conditions
Sample requirements and identification
Test parameters and methods
Acceptance criteria
Data handling
Results
Conclusion and recommendations
Materials and equipment
Procedure
Test report with conclusion
Analytical Test Procedure
The analytical test procedure includes the following main sections:
Objective/purpose
Scope
Test upper and lower limits
Summary of methodology
Instrumentation and equipment
Reagents
List of reagents
Preparation of reagents
Preparation of standards and samples
Preparation of standards
Preparation of samples
Operating conditions
Procedures
System suitability
Analyte(s) Identification
System Sequence
Calculations/Result
Approval

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Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

Laboratory Equipment
Before any method validation can begin, the relevant analytical method equipment must have satisfactorily completed the validation requirements for all
critical equipment including; Design Qualification
(DQ)/Specification Qualification (SQ), Installation
Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ),
and Performance Qualification (PQ).
Equipment Validation Matrix (EVM)
A list of laboratory equipment should be prepared
containing all critical and non-critical equipment.
Based on this list, a validation matrix should be established to summarize the validation plan and to
determine the validation requirements for each piece of
equipment. Figure 3 lists the EVM.

Validation of Laboratory Equipment

Following the EVM, the validation work starts.
A validation team should be formed to develop the
equipment specification. This team should include qualified persons from the QC and engineering departments.
The participation of engineers or technicians from the
engineering and maintenance departments is important
due to their future role in the equipment calibration and
maintenance.
When developing the specifications, you should examine the following items:
Materials used in the construction of the equipment
(where applicable)
Utilities needed for the operation of the equipment
Operating requirements
Safety considerations
Vendor qualifications. Finding the right equipment
from the right vendor is critical to success
Space requirements
Equipment measuring ranges
Critical spare parts
Warranty

Design Qualification (DQ)

Specification Qualification (SQ)
The validation team should review the specifications
outlined here to ensure all validation items are included in
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Figure 3

Equipment Validation Matrix (EVM)

for Some Critical Equipment
Equipment
Atomic
Absorption

DQ/SQ IQ

OQ PQ Calibration

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Adj.*

Autoclave

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Balances

Yes

Adj.* Adj.* **

Yes

CE

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Conductivity Meter

Adj.*

Yes Yes

Yes

Disintegration Tester Yes

Adj.* Yes Yes

Yes

Dissolution Tester

Yes

Adj.* Yes Yes

Yes

Drying Oven

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Gas
Chromatography

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Adj.*

High Performance
Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Adj.*

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

High Performance
Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
Yes

Yes Yes Yes

IC

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Adj.*

IR

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Adj.*

Laminar Flow

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Microbiological
Incubator

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

IR

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

NMR

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Adj.*

Yes

Yes

Adj.* Adj.* Yes

Yes

Tablet Friability Tester

Adj.* Adj.* Yes

Yes

Tablet Hardness and

Thickness
Measurement
Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Ultra Violet (UV):

Vis Spectrophotometer Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Adj.*

Vacuum Oven

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Viscometer

Yes

Yes Yes Adj.* Yes

pH Meter
Potentiometer

ADJ.*
**:
DQ:
IC:
IR:
IQ:
OQ:
PQ:

Yes

Periodic adjustment required by specialist engineer

or the manufacturer
Depends upon the complexity of the balances, i.e.,
attached to device that performs calculations or
stores data
Design Qualification
Ion Chromatography
Infra Red Spectrophotometer
Installation Qualification
Operational Qualification
Performance Qualification

Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

the specification. This team should prepare a DQ or SQ

protocol, and generate a DQ or SQ summary report. The
DQ or SQ protocol and summary report should include
the following items:
Title
Approval and signatures
Objective
Scope
Responsibilities
Acceptance criteria
Equipment name
Equipment manufacturer
Type
Model
Tag number
Specification
Measurement limits or ranges
Accuracy
Precision
Critical parts
Calibration requirements and frequencies (if applicable, proposed by the vendor)
Maintenance and cleaning
Operational instructions
Maintenance manual
Certificates of calibration (if applicable)
Warranty

Installation Qualification (IQ)

The IQ stage is usually done by engineering and
maintenance department engineers in conjunction with
the vendor (for complicated equipment).
The IQ includes installing the equipment, ensuring
the services are connected and working according to
specification. Also, all drawings, purchased parts
details, spare parts, manuals, and purchase orders must
be part of the package.
The IQ protocol and summary report must include
the following typical sections and attachments:
Title
Approval and signatures
Responsibilities
Definition
Equipment Identification
Instruments used for installation

Procedure
Description
Documentation
Test Forms
Acceptance criteria
List of documents to be included
Archiving
References
Attachments (as test forms where applicable):
Personnel performing IQ
Observations and comments
Documentation verification
General arrangement verification
Power, electrical utilities verification
Non-electrical utilities verification
Critical instruments list verification
Consumables list
Spare parts list
Logbook verification
IQ deviation form and recommendation
IQ completion

Operational Qualification (OQ)

Operational qualification is completed by engineering and QC personnel. This includes ensuring all operational details are checked. Operational Qualification demonstrates that the equipment functions
within its specified operating parameters, and can perform reliably under routine operating conditions.
The OQ protocol and summary report must include
the following typical section and attachments:
Title
Approval and signatures
Objective
Equipment identification
Responsibilities
Equipment and test instrumentation
Procedure:
Measurement ranges and limits
Function tests
Test method/conditions
Calibration (if applicable)
Acceptance criteria
Test results
OQ deviation form and recommendations
OQ completion

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Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

Performance Qualification (PQ)

Performance Qualification is the final test that demonstrates that the equipment performs as intended.
It determines whether the equipment is capable of
providing the necessary information. Is it accurate?
Are the results reproducible? What is the variability
expected? Is it sensitive enough to provide the level
of precision required by laboratory methods?
A PQ protocol is then developed, detailing all critical operating parameters including:
Title
Approval and signatures
Objective
Equipment identification
Responsibilities
Definitions
PQ requirements
Procedure:
Samples and standards preparation
Measurements plan
Measurements sequence
Results analysis
Statistics
Accuracy
Precision
Curves
Acceptance criteria
List of documents to be included
Archiving
Recommendations and periodic revalidation
References
Test data:
Analyst ID
Sample ID
Test results
Comments, observations, and deviations
Final evaluation of the test
Conclusion

Operational Instructions
Operational instructions for all laboratory equipment should be properly prepared describing equipment operating step-by-step. Instructions should be
maintained near the equipment in a place accessible
for all operators.
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Operating instructions are based on the manufacturers instruction manual. They should be written in
a clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand language to
simplify their use by the operators.

Calibration
Laboratory equipment calibration is an FDA requirement. 21 CFR 820.72 states that:
equipment used for inspection, measuring
and testing of process equipment shall be routinely
calibrated. Calibration is also an expectation and
critical in the European Pharmaceutical Legislation
(Eudralex) GMPs, volume four (4), chapter three
(3): Measuring, weighing, recording and control
equipment should be calibrated and checked at defined intervals by appropriate methods. Adequate
records of such tests should be maintained. 1
All laboratory data should be generated using appropriately qualified calibrated instrumentation. Current, written, approved calibration procedures should
be used to assure the equipment and instrumentation
is suitable for its intended function while in use. Calibration will occur at established time intervals, and
calibration records and related documentation should
be retained for an appropriate duration.
If an instrument is repaired or moved, it must be
recalibrated if it has been determined that the repair or
move affects the instrument calibration. Equipment
and instrumentation past due for calibration should
not be used until a recalibration is performed.
A calibration protocol contains the following main
sections:
Title
Approval and signatures
Objective
Equipment identification
Responsibilities
Test instrumentation
Reference calibration instrumentation
Recommendations before calibration
Calibration procedure
Calibration report
Equipment labeling
Acceptance criteria

Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

List of documents to be included

Archiving
Recommendations and calibration frequency
References

laboratorys activities and are followed by the laboratorys staff:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
General Procedures.

Annual Calibration Plan

A calibration plan, for annual, quarterly, or
monthly testing should be prepared, listing the equipment that required calibration versus calibration date
and frequency (Figure 4). The plan should be prepared by a calibration specialist, and reviewed and approved by the QC Manager.
The QC laboratorys tasks are organized by a documentation system, containing groups of procedures
that describe all activities and operations necessary to
perform the laboratorys work, including: specifications, sampling regime, testing procedures, analytical
reports and certification, reagents preparation, samples
receiving, etc. Two types of procedures summarize the
Figure 4

Examples of an Annual Equipment

Calibration Plan
Year/Month
Year: 200X
Equipment
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Autoclave
Balances
Conductivity
Calibrate Before Use
Meter
Disintegration
Tester
Dissolution
Tester
Drying Oven
Microbiological
Incubator
Moisture Tester
Balance (IR)
Calibrate Before Use
pH Meter
Potentiometer
Tablet Friability
Tester
Tablet Hardness
and Thickness
Measurement
Vacuum Oven
Viscometer
Calibration Required

The QC laboratory manager is responsible for issuing and implementing laboratory SOPs. Supervisors
and analysts must know the SOPs and consistently operate in acceptance with them.
Analysts must be trained on the operation of SOPs,
and be assessed for competence in operation of the
SOPs after training. Refresher training at appropriate
intervals should be given to the laboratorys staff.
Laboratory SOPs describe the following major
areas including:
Sampling regime
Samples receiving
Laboratory record
Samples retaining
Analytical method validation
Self inspection
Stability study policy
Laboratory analyst notebook
Numbering system
SOP writing and handling
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), GMP deviation
reporting
Actions taken when out-of-specification results occur
Handling of reference standards
Cleaning validation policy
Environmental control (sampling and testing)
Control of recalls and returned goods
Training policy
Media preparation
The above SOPs outline the main critical issues and
tasks. Additional SOPs could be generated according
to the laboratorys needs.
A typical SOP format contains on the first page
(cover page or header) the names of personnel responsible for that particular SOP. Typically, this is the
writer, reviewer, and one person responsible for SOP
approval. The main SOP sections are:
Subject
Purpose

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Definitions
Scope
Safety concerns
Flowchart (if applicable)
Procedure
References
Change history
Deviation from the SOPs must be properly documented at the time they occur, and assessed by management for significance for quality.
General Procedure
General procedures concern that type of laboratory general work followed and applied by the analysts, and not specific or related to the analysis of one
dedicated product.
Examples for general procedures including; buffers
preparation, culture and media preparation, glassware
cleaning, reagents standardization, etc.

Trends Analysis
Trends analysis provide critical data on quality
and laboratory work performance.
They confirm when a process or method is running well. They highlight unexpectedly good performance, a pointer to process, and yield improvement.
Trends analysis warn of a drift towards an out-ofspecification result before rejectable material is produced.
The typical QC trends are; impurities, assay, moisture content, preservatives, dissolution, and pH.

Reference Standards and

Laboratory Reagents
Reference Standards
Laboratory reference standards that are properly
defined and characterized for a particular use should
be used to measure potency, purity, and critical physical comparison tests of products and materials. This
characterization should be documented and approved
by the QC manager.
Reference standards are used at their labeled purity, and stored according to their label instructions.
Working standards should be prepared and treated
according to written procedure. They should be periodically reevaluated to maintain their potency and in96

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tegrity. This periodic characterization should be documented and approved by the QC manager.
Review of data and assessment of any apparent
trends in the laboratory standards results will assure
the assay performance and monitor the stability of laboratory standards.
Laboratory Reagents
As mentioned in EC pharmaceutical legislation
and GMP guidelines (Eudralex), volume four (4),
chapter six (6), paragraph 6.20 states that;
Laboratory reagents intended for prolonged
use should be marked with the preparation date
and the signature of the person who prepared them.
The expiry date of unstable reagents and cultures
media should be indicated on the label, together
with specific storage conditions.
In addition, for volumetric solutions, the last date
of standardization and the last current factor should
be indicated.
Standardization Reagents
Standardization reagent should be prepared to contain a known quantitative concentration. The concentration or factor of the reagent is used in assay calculations. Standardized reagents used in laboratory testing should be prepared according to appropriate written procedure, labeled with complete information, including reagent name, standardized concentration or
standardization factor, identification of the preparer,
date of preparation and the expiry date. Optimal shelflife has been found not more than 30 days (unless otherwise documented). All outdated standardized
reagents must be discarded.
Non-Standardized Reagents
Non-standardized reagents should be prepared to
contain a semi-quantitative or non-quantitative concentration. The concentration or factor of the reagent
is not used in assay calculations.
Non-standardized reagents used in laboratory testing should be prepared according to appropriate written
preparers, and labeled with the name of the reagent,
preparer-name, date of preparation, and the expiration
date. Concerning the shelf life, it is recommended to
not exceed one year from the date of preparation. All

Mowafak Nassani, Ph.D.

outdated non-standardized reagents should be discarded.

The label on the reagents containers should contain the following information:
Reagent
Strength
Preparation method number
Prepared by
Preparation date
Storage conditions
Shelf-life or expiry date

Conclusion
GMP regulations contain several sections that deal
specifically with laboratory operations (21 CFR Part
211.160, 165, and 194). However, there are other provisions of the GMPs, not listed under the headings
generally covering laboratories, that apply to all operations, including analytical laboratories.
Test methods must be written, validated, specific
for each product, and be readily available to all analysts. Each method must be controlled and subject to
strict change control. Only pre-approved and authorized changes are permitted, and these must be documented.
Procedures covering all key laboratory activities
should be written in controlled SOPs. It is important
that SOPs cover all topics and activities of QC Laboratories listed in this article. There can be a tendency
in some technical laboratories to assume that highly
trained and competent chemists will perform these activities correctly in the absence of SOPs. This cannot
occur, and is a clear violation of GMPs.
GMP regulations state that laboratory procedures
should be written, adequate to describe the activity,
and all operations must conform to these procedures.
In most laboratories, several types of documents
exist. Each type of document must be controlled. That
is, a mechanism must exist in which all documents are
approved before they become official, and a controlled means for making changes must exist. The absence of control regarding laboratory documents indicates a significant lack of control. Without proper
controls, you can never be quite sure if the methods
and procedures in use are correct.

About the Author

Mowafak Nassani Ph.D. has a Ph.D degree from
U.S.T.L. University of Montpellier, France in analytical, industrial chemistry. He is a Senior Consultant
in QA/QC, GMPs, compliance inspection, and validation for International Clean Rooms Control Engineering I.C.C.E, Brussels, Belgium.
He has occupied QA/QC manager positions in leading multinational pharmaceutical companies.
He is currently the General Manager of the Scientific
Center for Quality Assurance and Environmental Control, in Damascus, Syria. He can be reached by phone
at 96-39-323-1923, by fax at 96-31-1613-2677 and by
e-mail at [email protected].

References
1. Pharmaceutical Legislation, Eudralex, GMP, EU, Vol.4, Ed.1997.
2. United States Pharmacopoeia, Inc. USP 23 1995. p. 1225.
3. DeSain C. and Sutton C.V.. Validation of Medical Device and
Diagnostic Manufacturers. Interpharm Press, Inc. 1994.
4. ICH, Q2B. Validation of Analytical Methods. 1996.
5. FDA, Guide to Inspection of Pharmaceutical Quality Control
Laboratories. July 1993.
6. FDA. Validation of Analytical Procedures: Methodology. FDA
Guidance. December 1997.

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Article Acronym Listing

CE:
CFR:
cGMP:

Capillary Electrophoresis
Code of Federal Regulations
Current Good Manufacturing Practice
DQ:
Design Qualification
EU:
European Union
EVM:
Equipment Validation Matrix
FDA:
Food and Drug Administration
GC:
Gas Chromatography
GLP:
Good Laboratory Practice
GMP:
Good Manufacturing Practice
HPLC:
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
HPTLC: High Performance Thin Layer
Chromatography
IC:
Ion Chromatography
ICH:
International Conference on Harmonization
ICP:
Inductively Coupled Plasma
ICP-AES: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic
Emission Spectrometry
IQ:
Installation Qualification
IR:
Moisture Tester Balance
KF:
Karl Fischer Titration
NMR:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
OQ:
Operational Qualification
PQ:
Performance Qualification
QA:
Quality Assurance
QC:
Quality Control
RSD:
Relative Standard Deviation
SFC:
Spectro Fluorophotometer Chromatography
SOP:
Standard Operating Procedure
SQ:
Specification Qualification
SSC:
System Suitability Check
TLC:
Thin Layer Chromatography
USP:
United States Pharmacopeia
UV:
Ultra Violet
VMP:
Validation Master Plan

Originally published in the May, 2002 issue of the Journal of Validation Technology

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