Data Integrity
Data integrity is the assurance that data is complete, accurate, and consistent throughout its lifecycle and that it has not been altered or manipulated in any unauthorized way. In regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology, data integrity is essential for ensuring product quality, safety, and efficacy, and for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
Data integrity is typically maintained through the use of various controls and procedures, such as:
Access control: Ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to data and that access is restricted based on roles and responsibilities.
Data backup and recovery: Implementing procedures for backing up data to ensure that it is not lost in the event of system failures or disasters.
Data security: Protecting data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion through the use of encryption, firewalls, and other security measures.
Audit trails: Recording all activities and events related to data, including changes, deletions, and updates, in order to provide an evidence trail for regulatory inspections and audits.
Change control: Implementing procedures for managing changes to data, including reviewing and approving changes, documenting changes, and ensuring that changes do not compromise data integrity.
Effective data integrity management is critical for ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance, as well as for maintaining public trust in the safety and efficacy of regulated products. Failure to maintain data integrity can result in serious consequences, including regulatory action, legal liability, and damage to an organization's reputation.
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