Standard Operating Procedure for Reproducibility Assessment Across Analytical Runs in BA/BE Studies
| Department | BA-BE Studies |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/187/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/187/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 9 |
| Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standardized procedure for assessing reproducibility between multiple analytical runs conducted during bioanalytical phases of BA/BE studies, ensuring data reliability, consistency, and acceptance by regulatory authorities.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all analytical runs performed using validated methods in bioanalytical laboratories involved in BA/BE studies, where reproducibility across runs is required to verify method consistency.
3. Responsibilities
- Analytical Scientist: Prepares
4. Accountability
The Bioanalytical Department Head is accountable for ensuring reproducibility assessments are planned, executed, and reviewed in compliance with regulatory requirements.
5. Procedure
5.1 Planning Reproducibility Assessment
- Identify need for reproducibility assessment:
- Multiple analytical runs within the same study
- Samples analyzed on different days or instruments
- Regulatory requirements such as for ISR (incurred sample reanalysis)
- Select quality control (QC) samples or real subject samples previously analyzed in a qualifying run.
- Prepare a Reproducibility Plan in Annexure-1: Reproducibility Assessment Plan.
5.2 Sample Selection and Reanalysis
- Select at least 10% of total samples (preferably ISR samples) or a minimum of 20 samples, as per ICH M10 guidance.
- Ensure selected samples:
- Cover high, medium, and low concentration ranges
- Have sufficient volume for repeat analysis
- Reanalyze selected samples using the same validated method in a different run on a different day.
5.3 Data Calculation and Acceptance Criteria
- Calculate % difference using:
%Difference = ((Reanalysis - Original) / Mean) × 100 - Acceptability criteria:
- At least 67% of samples must show ≤20% difference from original result
- Document all calculations in Annexure-2: Reproducibility Assessment Log.
5.4 Evaluation and Documentation
- Summarize reproducibility results in the method validation or study report.
- Attach reproducibility chromatograms, audit trails, and raw data for both runs.
- Ensure all findings are signed and dated by the Analyst and Reviewed by QA.
5.5 Non-Conformance and Investigation
- If < 67% of reanalyzed samples exceed 20% difference:
- Initiate deviation report
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA)
- Document CAPA using Annexure-3: Deviation and CAPA Form
- Repeat assessment with new sample set, if justified.
6. Abbreviations
- BA/BE: Bioavailability/Bioequivalence
- ISR: Incurred Sample Reanalysis
- RCA: Root Cause Analysis
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
- QC: Quality Control
- %CV: Percent Coefficient of Variation
7. Documents
- Reproducibility Assessment Plan – Annexure-1
- Reproducibility Assessment Log – Annexure-2
- Deviation and CAPA Form – Annexure-3
8. References
- ICH M10: Bioanalytical Method Validation
- FDA Guidance for Industry – Bioanalytical Method Validation (2022)
- WHO TRS No. 992 – Good practices for pharmaceutical quality control laboratories
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Reproducibility Assessment Plan
| Study ID | Method Name | Analyst | Samples Selected | Run Date (Original/Repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAE-097 | LC-MS/MS Method 3 | Rajesh Kumar | PL-111 to PL-130 | 15/04/2025 / 17/04/2025 |
Annexure-2: Reproducibility Assessment Log
| Sample ID | Original Result (ng/mL) | Reanalysis (ng/mL) | % Difference | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL-112 | 45.2 | 46.1 | 2.0% | Pass |
Annexure-3: Deviation and CAPA Form
| Deviation ID | Description | Root Cause | CAPA | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEV-2025-04 | Failed reproducibility in ISR batch | Improper sample thawing | Re-training conducted | 18/04/2025 |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial SOP Release | New SOP | QA Head |
| 17/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added CAPA linkage and expanded annexures | Regulatory Alignment | QA Head |