Standard Operating Procedure for Document Control during Clinical Phase of BA/BE Studies
Department | BA-BE Studies |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/120/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/120/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 10 |
Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define a systematic and compliant procedure for managing controlled documents during the clinical phase of Bioavailability/Bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies, ensuring integrity, traceability, and accessibility throughout the document lifecycle.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all controlled documents generated or used during the clinical phase of BA/BE studies including but not limited to Case Report Forms (CRFs), informed consent forms (ICFs), monitoring
reports, logs, SOPs, training records, and facility documentation.
3. Responsibilities
- Document Control Officer (DCO): Manages document issuance, versioning, archiving, and master list maintenance.
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Requests documents and ensures accurate use of controlled versions.
- QA Personnel: Audits document control systems, performs reviews, and approves version changes.
- Study Team Members: Ensure correct documentation, completion, and timely submission.
4. Accountability
The Clinical Operations Manager is accountable for ensuring proper document control practices are implemented and maintained as per GCP and regulatory guidelines.
5. Procedure
5.1 Document Classification
- Classify clinical documents into:
- Controlled Documents (e.g., ICF, CRF, SOPs, log templates)
- Uncontrolled/Internal Records (e.g., subject screening forms, drafts)
5.2 Document Numbering and Versioning
- Assign each controlled document a unique identifier:
- Format: DOC/BA-BE/XXX/YYYY
- Update version number with every approved change (e.g., V1.0 to V2.0).
- Document version history in Annexure-1: Document Version Control Log.
5.3 Creation and Review
- Document drafts are prepared by responsible personnel and submitted to DCO.
- DCO routes draft to QA and study team for review and approval.
- Once approved, document is locked as “Controlled” and released for use.
5.4 Distribution and Use
- Only controlled hard copies or electronically signed PDFs shall be used.
- Use Annexure-2: Controlled Document Issuance Register to track recipients and issuance date.
- Obsolete versions must be withdrawn, marked “Superseded,” and archived.
5.5 Archival and Retrieval
- All completed logs, forms, and reports must be filed in the Investigator Site File (ISF) and Study Master File (SMF).
- Archive hard copies in lockable fire-resistant cabinets with restricted access.
- Maintain digital backups in a validated document management system (DMS).
- Record retrievals using Annexure-3: Document Access Log.
5.6 Deviations and CAPA
- If incorrect document version is used:
- Record deviation in Annexure-4: Document Control Deviation Form
- Initiate root cause analysis and implement CAPA
6. Abbreviations
- BA: Bioavailability
- BE: Bioequivalence
- DCO: Document Control Officer
- CRF: Case Report Form
- ICF: Informed Consent Form
- DMS: Document Management System
- ISF: Investigator Site File
- SMF: Study Master File
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
7. Documents
- Document Version Control Log – Annexure-1
- Controlled Document Issuance Register – Annexure-2
- Document Access Log – Annexure-3
- Document Control Deviation Form – Annexure-4
8. References
- ICH E6(R2) – Good Clinical Practice
- WHO GCP Handbook
- 21 CFR Part 11 – Electronic Records and Signatures
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Document Version Control Log
Document Title | Doc No. | Version | Effective Date | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Volunteer Screening Log | DOC/BA-BE/001/2025 | V2.0 | 15/04/2025 | Active |
Annexure-2: Controlled Document Issuance Register
Date | Document Title | Issued To | Version | Signature |
---|---|---|---|---|
17/04/2025 | ICF English | Rajesh Kumar | V2.0 | Signed |
Annexure-3: Document Access Log
Date | User | Document Accessed | Purpose | Authorized By |
---|---|---|---|---|
16/04/2025 | Sunita Reddy | CRF Template | Subject Data Entry | QA Head |
Annexure-4: Document Control Deviation Form
Date | Description of Deviation | Root Cause | CAPA | Closed By |
---|---|---|---|---|
15/04/2025 | Old ICF used | Uncontrolled printout | Document log revised | QA Officer |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
15/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial Release | GCP Compliance | QA Head |
17/04/2025 | 2.0 | Expanded scope, added electronic document control and CAPA sections | Audit Requirement | QA Head |