SOP for Documenting Stability Testing Results
Department | Aerosol |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/Aerosol/107/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/Aerosol/107/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of Y |
Issue Date | 06/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 16/02/2025 |
Review Date | 06/02/2028 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the process for documenting the results of stability testing of aerosol products. The purpose is to ensure that stability study results are accurately captured, maintained, and reported in a consistent and compliant manner. Proper documentation supports the validation of product stability and shelf life, ensuring regulatory compliance and product integrity throughout its lifecycle.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all stability testing conducted for aerosol products at [Company Name]. It covers the documentation of test results from long-term, accelerated, and intermediate stability studies, including data capture, analysis, and reporting of results for regulatory and internal purposes.
3. Responsibilities
- Stability Testing Team: Responsible for performing stability tests, recording the results, and ensuring the accuracy of the data captured during the stability study.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Responsible for overseeing the documentation process, reviewing test results for completeness and accuracy, and ensuring compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory Affairs Team: Ensures that the stability testing and documentation meet the requirements of regulatory agencies, including the FDA, ICH, and other relevant authorities.
- Production Team: Provides samples for testing and ensures
4. Accountability
The Manufacturing Manager is accountable for ensuring that the stability testing results are documented according to this SOP. The overall compliance with this SOP is overseen by the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager.
5. Procedure
5.1. Documentation of Stability Test Data
- During the stability study, all observations, measurements, and test results should be recorded accurately. This includes:
- Temperature and humidity levels in the stability chambers
- Product performance (e.g., appearance, functionality, spray rate, valve operation)
- Chemical and physical tests (e.g., active ingredient concentration, viscosity, pH)
- Data should be recorded in the Stability Testing Results Log (Annexure-1) in a consistent and legible manner, with all fields filled in completely. Any deviations or anomalies in the data should be clearly marked and documented with an explanation in the Deviation Log (Annexure-2).
- All results should be dated and signed by the responsible personnel. If data entry is done electronically, it must be validated and backed up regularly to ensure the integrity of the records.
5.2. Handling of Deviations and Anomalies
- If any deviations from the planned stability testing conditions are observed, they should be recorded in the Deviation Log (Annexure-2). The following steps should be taken:
- Investigate the cause of the deviation (e.g., equipment malfunction, incorrect product handling, environmental control failure).
- Assess whether the deviation could affect the integrity of the stability results.
- Implement corrective actions as necessary, and document the actions taken in the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3).
- The QA team should review any deviations to ensure appropriate actions are taken and that the integrity of the stability study is maintained.
5.3. Analysis and Review of Results
- After the stability study is completed, the results should be reviewed by the QA team. The analysis should include:
- Comparing the results against predefined acceptance criteria for stability (e.g., appearance, chemical composition, performance).
- Identifying any significant changes in the product that may indicate instability.
- Assessing the data in relation to the intended shelf life and the stability conditions under which the product was tested.
- If the results meet the specified stability criteria, the product can be approved for further processing or release. If there are deviations, the product may need further testing, adjustments, or re-evaluation.
5.4. Reporting of Stability Testing Results
- Upon completion of the stability study and analysis of results, a formal report should be prepared, which includes:
- The objectives and scope of the stability study
- Test conditions and results for each time point and sample
- Any deviations or anomalies observed during the study
- Conclusions regarding product stability and shelf life
- The stability report should be reviewed by the QA team and other relevant departments (e.g., Regulatory Affairs, Production). Once approved, it should be stored in the company’s records for future reference and regulatory compliance.
- The report should also include recommendations for the product’s shelf life, storage conditions, and any additional stability testing that may be needed.
5.5. Documentation Storage and Retention
- All stability testing results, including raw data, test logs, deviation records, and final reports, should be stored securely in both electronic and/or physical formats. These records should be accessible for internal audits and external regulatory inspections.
- Stability testing records should be retained for a minimum of 3 years or as required by regulatory guidelines, whichever is longer.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- RH: Relative Humidity
- ACT: Actuator
- VAL: Valve
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
7. Documents
- Stability Testing Results Log (Annexure-1)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-2)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3)
- Stability Testing Report (Annexure-4)
8. References
This SOP is based on the following regulatory guidelines and industry standards:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines
- FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 211
- International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guidelines
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Stability Testing Results Log
Batch Number | Test Date | Test Results | Operator Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batch-001 | 10/02/2025 | Pass | Rajesh Patel | No deviations |
Annexure-2: Deviation Log
Deviation ID | Deviation Description | Corrective Action | Responsible Person | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
DEV-12345 | Temperature deviation detected | Re-calibrated equipment and re-tested | Rajesh Patel | Completed |
Annexure-3: Corrective Action Log
Action ID | Action Description | Assigned To | Completion Date | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
ACT-12345 | Replaced faulty actuator | Rajesh Patel | 10/02/2025 | Action completed successfully |
Annexure-4: Stability Testing Report
Batch Number | Test Date | Results Summary | Operator Name | Final Conclusion |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batch-001 | 10/02/2025 | Passed stability tests | Rajesh Patel | Approved for release |
12. Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By | Page No. | Ref. Point No. | Details of Revision |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | V 1.0 | Initial Release | First Issue | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | First Release |
01/01/2025 | V 2.0 | Updated documentation process | To comply with updated GMP regulations | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | Updated procedures |