Standard Operating Procedure for Incurred Sample Reanalysis (ISR) in BA/BE Bioanalytical Studies
| Department | BA-BE Studies |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/164/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/164/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 11 |
| Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define the procedure for performing Incurred Sample Reanalysis (ISR) for assessing the reproducibility of pharmacokinetic sample results generated using validated bioanalytical methods during BA/BE studies.
2. Scope
This SOP is applicable to all bioanalytical studies supporting BA/BE submissions and requires ISR as mandated by regulatory agencies such as US FDA, EMA, and ICH M10.
3. Responsibilities
- Bioanalytical Analyst:
Selects ISR samples, performs reanalysis, and documents results.
QA Reviewer: Reviews ISR outcome, flags discrepancies, and ensures compliance with protocol.
Study Director: Authorizes inclusion of ISR data in final bioanalytical reports.
4. Accountability
The Head of the Bioanalytical Department is accountable for ensuring ISR compliance, accuracy of data comparison, and documentation integrity.
5. Procedure
5.1 ISR Sample Selection
- Select ≥10% of total study subjects for ISR.
- From each selected subject, choose 2 samples at different time points (preferably around Cmax and elimination phase).
- ISR samples should be evenly distributed across analytical runs and treatment arms.
5.2 Sample Retrieval and Preparation
- Retrieve original sample vials from storage (−20°C or −70°C).
- Thaw under controlled conditions, mix gently, and prepare for extraction per original method.
- Document sample handling in Annexure-1: ISR Sample Tracking Log.
5.3 Reanalysis Process
- Run ISR samples alongside freshly prepared calibration and QC samples.
- Use the same validated method and instrument settings as in the original run.
- Ensure ISR injections are randomized within the analytical sequence.
5.4 Evaluation Criteria
- Calculate % difference between original and ISR result for each sample:
% Difference = [(Reanalysis − Original) / Mean] × 100 - Acceptance Criteria:
- ≥67% of ISR results must be within ±20% of original value.
- Document comparative data in Annexure-2: ISR Evaluation Summary Sheet.
5.5 Investigation of ISR Failure
- If ISR criteria are not met:
- Initiate deviation report and root cause investigation.
- Assess analytical method performance, extraction recovery, or analyst variability.
- Repeat ISR if justified, with justification documented in Annexure-3: ISR Deviation Report.
5.6 Reporting
- Include ISR tables, chromatograms, and results in the final bioanalytical study report.
- State compliance with ISR criteria and interpretation of outcome.
6. Abbreviations
- BA/BE: Bioavailability/Bioequivalence
- ISR: Incurred Sample Reanalysis
- Cmax: Maximum Observed Concentration
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PK: Pharmacokinetics
7. Documents
- ISR Sample Tracking Log – Annexure-1
- ISR Evaluation Summary Sheet – Annexure-2
- ISR Deviation Report – Annexure-3
8. References
- ICH M10: Bioanalytical Method Validation Guideline
- US FDA Guidance for Industry: Bioanalytical Method Validation
- EMA Guidelines on Bioanalytical Method Validation
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: ISR Sample Tracking Log
| Subject ID | Time Point | Sample ID | Storage Location | Thaw Date | Analyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 2hr | BE101-TP2 | −70°C Freezer A | 15/04/2025 | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: ISR Evaluation Summary Sheet
| Sample ID | Original (ng/mL) | Reanalysis (ng/mL) | % Difference | Acceptable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE101-TP2 | 18.3 | 19.1 | 4.3% | Yes |
Annexure-3: ISR Deviation Report
| Date | Sample ID | Deviation Description | Root Cause | CAPA Initiated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/04/2025 | BE101-TP6 | ISR value deviated by 35% | Low recovery due to degradation | Repeat ISR + stability review |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial issue | New SOP | QA Head |
| 17/04/2025 | 2.0 | Updated with ICH M10 alignment and deviation management | Regulatory update | QA Head |