Qualification
Qualification in the pharmaceutical industry refers to the process of demonstrating that equipment, facilities, utilities, and systems are suitable for their intended use and meet pre-established requirements. Qualification is a critical aspect of ensuring that pharmaceutical products are of high quality and meet regulatory requirements.
Qualification typically
includes three stages:
1.
Design Qualification (DQ): This stage involves verifying
that the design of the equipment or system meets the user's requirements and
regulatory standards.
2.
Installation Qualification (IQ): This stage involves
verifying that the equipment or system has been installed correctly and meets
the manufacturer's specifications.
3.
Operational Qualification (OQ): This stage involves
verifying that the equipment or system operates consistently within its defined
operating ranges and that it produces the desired results.
In addition to these three
stages, some equipment and systems may require a fourth stage, called
Performance Qualification (PQ), which involves demonstrating that the equipment
or system consistently performs as intended over a sustained period of time.
Qualification is typically
performed by a cross-functional team, including representatives from
engineering, quality, and operations. Qualification protocols are developed to
outline the testing and acceptance criteria for each stage, and the results of
the testing are documented in a qualification report.
Qualification is an
ongoing process, and equipment, facilities, utilities, and systems must be
periodically re-qualified to ensure that they continue to meet their intended
use and regulatory requirements.
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