Procedure for Extractables and Leachables Testing in Aerosol Products
| Department | Aerosol |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/Aerosol/193/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/Aerosol/193/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of Y |
| Issue Date | 06/02/2025 |
| Effective Date | 16/02/2025 |
| Review Date | 06/02/2028 |
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a systematic approach for conducting extractables and leachables (E&L) testing in aerosol products to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all aerosol formulations where packaging components (valves, actuators, containers, etc.) may interact with the drug product, leading to potential contamination.
3. Responsibilities
- Quality Control (QC) Analysts: Responsible for conducting E&L testing.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Responsible for reviewing test results and approving compliance.
- Laboratory Supervisor: Responsible for ensuring E&L testing follows validated procedures.
- Regulatory Affairs Team: Responsible for ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards.
4. Accountability
The Quality Control Manager is accountable for ensuring the accuracy and compliance of extractables and leachables testing.
5. Procedure
5.1. Selection of Test Components
- Identify primary and secondary packaging components for E&L testing.
- Record test components in the E&L Component Selection Log (Annexure-1).
5.2. Extractables Testing
- Perform solvent extraction using water, ethanol, and hexane.
- Analyze extracted substances using GC-MS and LC-MS.
- Record results in the Extractables Test Log (Annexure-2).
5.3. Leachables Testing
- Store aerosol samples at accelerated stability conditions.
- Periodically analyze leachables using validated methods.
- Record test results in
the Leachables Test Log (Annexure-3).
5.4. Data Analysis and Regulatory Comparison
- Compare detected substances with regulatory limits (USP, ICH guidelines).
- Identify any toxicological risks based on exposure limits.
- Document findings in the E&L Analysis Report (Annexure-4).
5.5. Corrective Actions for Non-Compliant Findings
- Investigate the source of leachables exceeding limits.
- Recommend alternative packaging materials if required.
- Record corrective actions in the E&L Corrective Action Log (Annexure-5).
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QC: Quality Control
- QA: Quality Assurance
- GC-MS: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
- LC-MS: Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
- USP: United States Pharmacopeia
- ICH: International Council for Harmonisation
7. Documents
- E&L Component Selection Log (Annexure-1)
- Extractables Test Log (Annexure-2)
- Leachables Test Log (Annexure-3)
- E&L Analysis Report (Annexure-4)
- E&L Corrective Action Log (Annexure-5)
8. References
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines
- ICH Q3C and Q3D Guidelines on Impurities
- USP <1663> & <1664> on Extractables and Leachables
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: E&L Component Selection Log
| Component Name | Material Type | Test Required | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve | Metal | Extractables & Leachables | QA Team |
Annexure-2: Extractables Test Log
| Component | Solvent Used | Extracted Compounds | Reviewed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container | Ethanol | Residual Plasticizers | QA Team |
Annexure-3: Leachables Test Log
| Sample ID | Storage Condition | Leachables Detected | Reviewed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| BN-230 | Accelerated | None | QA Team |
Annexure-4: E&L Analysis Report
| Component | Detected Substance | Regulatory Limit | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve | BPA | Below Limit | QA Team |
Annexure-5: E&L Corrective Action Log
| Issue Identified | Corrective Action | Implementation Date | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leachable exceeded limit | Changed packaging material | 08/02/2025 | Anjali Sharma |
12. Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 | V 1.0 | Initial Release | First Issue | Anjali Sharma |
| 01/01/2025 | V 2.0 | Updated E&L test parameters | GMP Compliance | Anjali Sharma |