QC SOPs

The QC department is tasked with testing raw materials, in-process sample, and finished pharmaceuticals to ensure that they meet the set specifications before any batch gets released into the market.

QC is a crucial element in safeguarding patients. All products leaving a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant are subjected to analytical testing to ensure identity, potency, purity and physical characteristics. If this was not done, faulty or substandard products could enter the hands of patients undetected.

📋 All QC Department SOPs

Topics covered in this section

Pharmaceutical QC SOP, analytical procedures, and reference articles for the entire range of lab QC activities. Here you will find GMP aligned documents for Instrument qualification, sampling, calculation guide, and OOS investigation template.

Articles include GMP Requirements for QC Laboratories, Analytical Method Validation (ICH Q2(R1)), SOPs for HPLC and UV-Vis, Dissolution and Disintegration Testing, Microbiological Method SOPs, Water Testing Procedures, Stability Study Procedures, Sampling Plans, Data Integrity Practices, Laboratory Deviation and OOS/OOT Investigation Procedures, and Regulatory Inspection Preparations for the QC Laboratory Function.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What does the Quality Control department do in a pharmaceutical company?

A: QC tests raw materials, packaging materials, in process samples and finished products, to ensure raw materials are complying with the approved specifications. In addition, it carries out stability studies, investigations of OOS and OOT, and documentation of all laboratory activities as per the GMP requirements.

Q: What GMP guidelines are applicable to QC laboratory in the pharmaceutical sector?

A: QC laboratories are required to meet standards of US FDA 21 CFR Part 211 Subpart I (laboratory controls), EU GMP Chapter 6 (quality control) and WHO Technical Report Series guidelines. The validation of analytical methods is covered by ICH Q2(R1), computerised systems and electronic data are covered by 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11. Any procedure should satisfy the data integrity requirements in accordance with the MHRA and FDA guidance.

Q: What is an OOS result and how should it be handled in QC?

A: A test result which is not within the approved acceptance range for a product or material is an Out of Specification (OOS) result. Handling must be conducted in a two phase investigation: First a laboratory step to establish whether there is an analyst error or instrument error and then a full production investigation, if the laboratory step is negative. The process is controlled by FDA’s guidance OOS 2006 and is to be fully documented in the batch record system.

Q: Are these QC related SOPs helpfull for pharmaceutical students and analysts?

A: Yes. The articles are written so that they can be understood by people of all levels of experience. They will be especially useful for students who are preparing to enter the pharmaceutical sector as well as analysts who are new to GMP laboratories for working towards a solid regulatory foundation.

Q: Can QC SOPs and articles from this section be used for internal GMP training?

A: Yes. Each QC procedure is not only explained in terms of what to do, but also why it is required from a regulatory perspective. This is useful to complement the formal GMP training programmes. Articles refer to the FDA, EU GMP, WHO and ICH guidance (when applicable), thereby indicating actual regulatory requirements and not simply general best practices.