Standard Operating Procedure for Review and Archiving of Analytical Data in API Manufacturing
| Department | API Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/API/143/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/API/143/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 8 |
| Issue Date | 13/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 15/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 13/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define a uniform procedure for the systematic review and archival of analytical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, traceability, and data integrity in the API manufacturing Quality Control Laboratory.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all raw data, chromatograms, test reports, calculation sheets, and supporting documentation generated during the testing of raw materials, in-process samples,
intermediates, and APIs in the QC department.
3. Responsibilities
- QC Analyst: Submit complete analytical data with necessary documentation.
- QC Reviewer: Review all raw data and reports for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
- QA Officer: Approve the archive status and perform periodic audits of the archival system.
4. Accountability
The QC Head is accountable for ensuring the integrity, security, and retrievability of archived analytical data and adherence to data retention policies.
5. Procedure
5.1 Submission and Preliminary Review
- Analyst shall compile the analytical report, raw data, instrument printouts, system suitability results, calculations, and applicable logs.
- Attach a checklist to verify completeness of:
- STP reference and batch details
- Chromatograms or instrument files
- Log entries and balance calibration
- Ensure all observations and manual entries are legible, signed, and dated.
- QC Reviewer verifies the completeness and correctness of the data and signs the Analytical Data Review Checklist (Annexure-1).
5.1 Submission and Preliminary Review (continued)
5.2 Review of Electronic and Instrument Data
- Review the system-generated data (e.g., chromatograms, UV/IR spectra, balance logs).
- Ensure data integrity principles (ALCOA+) are followed:
- Attributable
- Legible
- Contemporaneous
- Original
- Accurate
- + Complete, Consistent, Enduring, and Available
- Verify any reprocessed data is properly justified and documented.
5.3 Compilation and Approval
- Combine reviewed documents in a single file arranged as:
- Cover page with checklist
- Analytical test report
- Raw data
- Instrument data
- Calculations
- Supporting documents (calibration, reference standard data)
- QA or assigned approver signs off the data packet for archiving.
5.4 Archiving Procedure
- Each approved file is given a unique archive code and indexed in the Analytical Archive Register (Annexure-2).
- Store physical records in a secure, temperature-controlled, access-restricted archive room with fireproof storage cabinets.
- Label archive box with content list, date, department, and archive reference number.
- For electronic data:
- Ensure storage on validated, access-controlled servers with backups.
- Use approved LIMS/EDMS for retrieval and tracking.
5.5 Retrieval and Audit Trail
- Maintain a log of retrievals (Annexure-3) stating:
- Date of retrieval
- Reason (e.g., audit, investigation, trending)
- Person responsible
- Ensure that any temporary movement or duplication of documents is logged and reconciled.
5.6 Retention Period
- Follow the regulatory retention requirement of minimum 5 years from date of batch release unless otherwise specified.
- For registration/stability batches, retain until the end of product life or as per market requirement.
6. Abbreviations
- QC: Quality Control
- QA: Quality Assurance
- LIMS: Laboratory Information Management System
- EDMS: Electronic Document Management System
- ALCOA+: Data Integrity Principles
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
7. Documents
- Analytical Data Review Checklist (Annexure-1)
- Analytical Archive Register (Annexure-2)
- Data Retrieval Log (Annexure-3)
8. References
- ICH Q7 – GMP for APIs
- MHRA GXP Data Integrity Guidance
- WHO Technical Series on Documentation
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Analytical Data Review Checklist
| Parameter | Yes/No | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| STP version verified | Yes | Correct |
| Raw data complete | Yes | Attached |
| Calculations accurate | Yes | Double-checked |
Annexure-2: Analytical Archive Register
| Archive Code | Report No. | Batch No. | Archived Date | Storage Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC-2025-001 | ATR-20250413-01 | API-B001 | 13/04/2025 | Cabinet A1 |
Annexure-3: Data Retrieval Log
| Date | Archive Code | Requested By | Purpose | Returned Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/04/2025 | ARC-2025-001 | QA Auditor | Regulatory Audit | 14/04/2025 |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial Issue | GMP Requirement | QA Head |
| 13/04/2025 | 2.0 | Inclusion of ALCOA+, Annexure Format | Audit Suggestion | QA Head |