SOP Guide for Pharma

Aerosol: SOP for Conducting Extractables and Leachables Testing – V 2.0

Aerosol: SOP for Conducting Extractables and Leachables Testing – V 2.0

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

  1. Identify primary and secondary packaging components for E&L testing.
  2. Record test components in the E&L Component Selection Log (Annexure-1).

5.2. Extractables Testing

  1. Perform solvent extraction using water, ethanol, and hexane.
  2. Analyze extracted substances using GC-MS and LC-MS.
  3. Record results in the Extractables Test Log (Annexure-2).

5.3. Leachables Testing

  1. Store aerosol samples at accelerated stability conditions.
  2. Periodically analyze leachables using validated methods.
  3. Record test results in
the Leachables Test Log (Annexure-3).

5.4. Data Analysis and Regulatory Comparison

  1. Compare detected substances with regulatory limits (USP, ICH guidelines).
  2. Identify any toxicological risks based on exposure limits.
  3. Document findings in the E&L Analysis Report (Annexure-4).

5.5. Corrective Actions for Non-Compliant Findings

  1. Investigate the source of leachables exceeding limits.
  2. Recommend alternative packaging materials if required.
  3. 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

  1. E&L Component Selection Log (Annexure-1)
  2. Extractables Test Log (Annexure-2)
  3. Leachables Test Log (Annexure-3)
  4. E&L Analysis Report (Annexure-4)
  5. 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
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