Standard Operating Procedure for Logging Receipt of Samples from Clinical Site in BA/BE Studies
| Department | BA-BE Studies |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/193/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/193/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 8 |
| Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standardized procedure for receiving, inspecting, and logging biological samples such as plasma or serum received from the clinical site to the bioanalytical laboratory in bioavailability/bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all biological sample shipments from the clinical unit to the bioanalytical facility for analysis during BA/BE studies conducted at [Organization Name].
3. Responsibilities
- Sample Custodian: Receives, verifies, and logs samples upon arrival.
- Courier Personnel: Delivers samples and provides signed transport documents.
- Bioanalytical QA: Verifies chain-of-custody and compliance with transport conditions.
- Bioanalytical Head: Ensures procedures are followed and discrepancies resolved.
4. Accountability
The Bioanalytical Department Head is accountable for ensuring that the receipt and documentation of clinical samples meet GCP and GLP requirements, and that sample integrity is maintained.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Arrival Notification
- Clinical site staff informs the receiving lab at least 2 hours before sample shipment.
- Details to be shared:
- Study Code
- No. of Samples
- Shipment Date & Time
- Courier Name & Tracking
- Receiving team ensures freezer space and staff readiness.
5.2 Receipt of Samples
- Upon arrival:
- Check external condition of container (no leakage, breakage, tampering).
- Record ambient temperature if temperature logger is provided.
- Accept the consignment only if:
- Seal is intact
- Temperature maintained as per requirement (e.g., ≤ −20°C)
- Sign off the Sample Transfer Form provided by courier (Annexure-1).
5.3 Verification of Sample Details
- Open container in designated receiving area using PPE.
- Cross-check sample labels with the Sample Inventory Sheet provided by the clinical site.
- Verify:
- Subject ID
- Time point
- Number of vials
- Sample condition (intact label, no leakage/frosting)
- Document discrepancies in Annexure-2: Sample Receipt and Verification Log.
5.4 Logging and Storage
- Assign a Sample Receipt Log ID to the consignment.
- Record all sample details in the Sample Receipt Log Book (Annexure-3).
- Transfer samples to appropriate freezer (−20°C or −70°C).
- Label storage rack with:
- Study Code
- Receipt Date
- Freezer Number
5.5 Reporting and Resolution
- Notify clinical site and QA of:
- Missing samples
- Unlabeled/partially labeled vials
- Improper temperature on arrival
- Complete a Sample Receipt Deviation Form if any issues are found (Annexure-4).
- All forms and logs must be signed and archived in the Study Master File (SMF).
6. Abbreviations
- BA/BE: Bioavailability/Bioequivalence
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- QA: Quality Assurance
- SMF: Study Master File
7. Documents
- Sample Transfer Form – Annexure-1
- Sample Receipt and Verification Log – Annexure-2
- Sample Receipt Log Book – Annexure-3
- Sample Receipt Deviation Form – Annexure-4
8. References
- ICH GCP E6(R2)
- US FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance (2022)
- GLP Guidelines – OECD 14
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Sample Transfer Form
| Study Code | BE/XYZ/2025/07 |
|---|---|
| Date of Shipment | 16/04/2025 |
| No. of Samples | 320 |
| Courier | SafeTemp Logistics |
| Shipped By | Dr. Sunita Reddy |
Annexure-2: Sample Receipt and Verification Log
| Subject ID | Time Point | Vial Count | Condition | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUB001 | 0 hr | 2 | Good | — |
Annexure-3: Sample Receipt Log Book
| Log ID | Date | Study Code | No. of Samples | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOG/193/25 | 17/04/2025 | BE/XYZ/2025/07 | 320 | FZ-04 |
Annexure-4: Sample Receipt Deviation Form
| Date | 17/04/2025 |
|---|---|
| Deviation | One sample missing (SUB015, 4hr point) |
| Investigated By | QA Officer |
| Action Taken | Clinical site informed, CAPA initiated |
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 | Expanded logs and deviation documentation | Audit Compliance | QA Head |