stability chamber qualification procedure

IQ/OQ/PQ for stability chambers

Following steps are performed by Meditech Technologies private India Limited to perform stability chamber qualification.

Basic Overall Approach

Meditech performs the basics of all qualifications. IQ/OQ and PQ are therefore performed prior to use. To begin the testing, Meditech establishes the operation conditions such as temperature and relative humidity and prepare IQ/OQ/PQ protocols based on the pre established user requirements specifications. The acceptance criteria for the above tests and mappings are clear on the protocols.

Installation Qualification
The first step is to check the correct positioning of the chamber and then check if the chamber and all components are correctly installed, and also the presence of documentation. Documentation usually includes user’s manual, certificates and SOPs. Utilities can be verified at this phase: electrical feeding, water (pressure, pumps, filters and connections) and exhaust. If the chamber has a control panel/ system, this can be checked too: buttons and commands, screens, etc. Finally check for all components part of critical systems: measuring and control, ventilation, heating and cooling, safety. All associate connections should be properly done.

Operation Qualification
At this phase we start by testing all individual functions of the stability chamber, including switches and controls, alarms, doors, etc. Check the sensors calibration if this was not covered on IQ. The final OQ test is to perform a thermal/humidity mapping of the chamber for the established set point. At this point the mapping is performed with empty chamber and for a determined period of time (not less than 24 hours).
Mappings
The purpose of this study is to assure that temperature and humidity are evenly distributed inside the chamber and that the established acceptance criteria are met at any point of the chamber.
Use at least ten sensors evenly distributed inside the chamber. For example on the chamber’s corners and at the centre, or 3 sensors on each shelf, depending on the size of the chamber. If you use thermocouples for temperature, assure that the chamber is prepared for it, or in case you pass them through the door, that the door is perfectly closed. The easiest is to use wireless probes, with the only disadvantage is that you will only see the results at the end of the study, instead of doing it online.
Door Opening Study
At the end of the study, and before removing the sensors, perform a door opening study. This can be achieved for example by opening the door for a certain short time, and keep recording temperature and humidity at a short range (every 10 seconds for example). Once you close the door let it stabilize again. We usually perform 3 door opening trials and at the end we calculate the chamber’s average recovery time.
Performance Qualification
For performance Qualification we only perform a full load thermal/humidity mapping, using the same configuration for the sensors as in the empty chamber study. The minimum study time now is 24 hours. Again at the end of the study we perform door opening trials and calculate the average recovery time.
Requalification
Performance qualification is done on an annual basis, using the same sensors location and for the same time. You can use the same protocol or a SOP describing the method for mapping. After each requalification it is recommended to compare the results with the previous qualifications to see if the chamber is maintaining its performance. If you eventually intend to change your temperature or humidity set points, both empty chamber and full load studies should be performed again using the new set point.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Guide to Stability Chamber Qualification

 Guide to Stability Chamber Qualification Reach in Chambers Reach in chambers are small and less expensive and are used when the number of samples are relatively small or conditions are likely to be changed. These chambers have shelf’s for storing the samples. Walk-In Chambers Walk in chambers are more expensive and are used a large space is required for sample storage and the chamber conditions are likely to remain constant for an extended time. The general temperature and humidity conditions for stability studies as per ICH are as follows 1. Temperature: 25°C±2°C and Humidity : 60%±5%H for Long term studies 2. Temperature: 30°C±2°C and Humidity : 65%±5%H for Intermediate conditions studies 3. Temperature: 40°C±2°C and Humidity : 75%±5%H for accelerated conditions studies 4. Temperature: 5°C±3°C for refrigerator conditions studies 5. Temperature: -20°C±5°C for samples in freezer studies There should be separate chamber for each type of study to be maintained
Read more

Temperature and climate test chamber VT³/VC³

Image
Temperature and Climate in Perfection The VT stability chamber with temperature and climate test cabinets VT³/VC³ with patented climate and temperature conditioning system set standards with regard to ease of operation, performance and equipment. The particularly robust test cabinets create more productive, comfortable and clear tests for a great number of products. Features Comfortable operation with an 8" TFT touch display. A lighted Control pad displays the operating mode. Optimal network: Using interface and web server the authorized user can reach current tests via internet. Measurement Data, reports, etc. can be managed in the network and the software Simpati can connect and utilize tests. Security, comfort and performance: The VC³ is able to maintain demanding climate values also under considerably strain, e.g., by midsummer-like ambient temperatures. Reduced upkeep and maintenance costs: Humidity bath purging prevents contamination of humidifier
Read more