SOP for Development of Assay Methods Using Classical Techniques in AMD Laboratory
Department | Analytical Method Development |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/AMD/057/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/AMD/057/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 14 |
Issue Date | 19/05/2025 |
Effective Date | 20/05/2025 |
Review Date | 19/05/2026 |
1. Purpose
This SOP describes the development, optimization, and validation of classical assay methods including titrimetric and gravimetric techniques for quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical raw materials, intermediates, and finished
2. Scope
This procedure applies to the Analytical Method Development (AMD) department and includes acid-base titrations, redox titrations, complexometric titrations, non-aqueous titrations, and gravimetric precipitation techniques.
3. Responsibilities
- Analytical Chemist: Prepares reagents, performs assay trials, and documents results.
- Reviewer: Verifies calculations and precision of results.
- QA Representative: Ensures compliance with regulatory and GMP documentation requirements.
- Head – AMD: Reviews and approves finalized method for routine use.
4. Accountability
The Head of Analytical Method Development is accountable for ensuring all classical assay methods are validated, scientifically justified, and suitable for routine QC application or regulatory submission.
5. Procedure
5.1 Selection of Assay Technique
- Review monographs (IP, USP, BP) and literature for available classical assay methods.
- Select based on:
- Analyte functionality (acid, base, metal ion)
- Stability in aqueous/non-aqueous medium
- Availability of primary standards and indicators
- Record justification in Annexure-1: Technique Selection Record.
5.2 Preparation of Reagents and Solutions
- Prepare volumetric solutions (e.g., NaOH, HCl, KMnO₄, EDTA) using analytical-grade reagents.
- Standardize all titrants using certified primary standards:
- Sodium carbonate for HCl
- Oxalic acid for KMnO₄
- Zinc or calcium carbonate for EDTA
- Document normality and standardization factors in Annexure-2: Volumetric Solution Log.
5.3 Sample Preparation
- Accurately weigh the test substance as per assay specification (typically 500–1000 mg).
- Dissolve in suitable solvent (water, ethanol, glacial acetic acid, etc.).
- Filter or sonicate if necessary to obtain a clear solution.
- Document solution preparation in Annexure-3: Sample Prep Log.
5.4 Performing the Assay
- Choose appropriate titration technique:
- Acid-base titration: Phenolphthalein or methyl orange indicators
- Redox titration: KMnO₄, I2, or ceric ammonium nitrate
- Complexometric titration: EDTA with Eriochrome Black T or Murexide
- Non-aqueous titration: Perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid medium
- Conduct triplicate titrations and calculate percentage assay using formula:
% Assay = (V × N × Eq. Wt × 100) / (W × 1000)
Where:
- V = Volume of titrant (mL)
- N = Normality
- Eq. Wt = Equivalent weight of analyte
- W = Sample weight (mg)
- Record titration data in Annexure-4: Assay Calculation Sheet.
5.5 Method Optimization
- Evaluate:
- Endpoint detection using visual vs. potentiometric titration
- Impact of temperature, solvent volume, and mixing
- Stability of analyte in chosen medium
- Document optimization findings in Annexure-5: Optimization Record.
5.6 Method Validation
- Specificity: Use placebo or excipients to confirm no interference at endpoint.
- Precision:
- Repeatability: RSD ≤ 1.0% for 6 replicates
- Intermediate Precision: Different analyst or day
- Accuracy: Spike placebo with known API quantity at 80%, 100%, and 120% levels. Recovery should be 98–102%.
- Linearity: Vary sample quantity (50–150%) and plot titrant volume vs. analyte weight.
- Robustness: Change indicators, solvent volume, or titration speed and monitor effect.
- Document validation results in Annexure-6: Validation Summary Report.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- RSD: Relative Standard Deviation
- API: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
- Eq. Wt: Equivalent Weight
7. Documents
- Technique Selection Record – Annexure-1
- Volumetric Solution Log – Annexure-2
- Sample Prep Log – Annexure-3
- Assay Calculation Sheet – Annexure-4
- Optimization Record – Annexure-5
- Validation Summary Report – Annexure-6
8. References
- USP General Chapter <541> – Titrimetry
- IP General Notices – Classical Assays
- ICH Q2(R1) – Validation of Analytical Procedures
- Ph. Eur. 2.2.20 – Potentiometric Titrations
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Technique Selection Record
Analyte | Recommended Technique | Justification | Analyst |
---|---|---|---|
Aspirin | Back titration with NaOH | Weak acid, poor water solubility | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Volumetric Solution Log
Solution | Normality | Standardized Against | Prepared By |
---|---|---|---|
0.1 N NaOH | 0.1002 | Potassium hydrogen phthalate | Sunita Reddy |
Annexure-3: Sample Prep Log
Sample | Weight (mg) | Solvent Used | Dilution Volume | Prepared By |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paracetamol Tablet | 500 | Ethanol:Water (1:1) | 100 mL | Ajay Mehra |
Annexure-4: Assay Calculation Sheet
Trial | Volume (mL) | % Assay | Analyst |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 22.45 | 99.2% | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-5: Optimization Record
Parameter Changed | Observation | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Indicator changed to phenol red | Poor color contrast | Rejected |
Solvent volume increased | Improved precision | Accepted |
Annexure-6: Validation Summary Report
Parameter | Criteria | Result | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy | 98–102% | 99.6% | Pass |
Precision | RSD ≤ 1% | 0.84% | Pass |
Linearity | R² ≥ 0.999 | 0.9993 | Pass |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
04/05/2025 | 2.0 | Integrated gravimetric options and added validation annexures | Annual SOP Review |