SOP Guide for Pharma

BA-BE Studies: SOP for Transport of Plasma Samples to Bioanalytical Lab – V 2.0

BA-BE Studies: SOP for Transport of Plasma Samples to Bioanalytical Lab – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Transport of Plasma Samples to Bioanalytical Lab

Department BA-BE Studies
SOP No. SOP/BA-BE/094/2025
Supersedes SOP/BA-BE/094/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 9
Issue Date 17/04/2025
Effective Date 20/04/2025
Review Date 17/04/2026

1. Purpose

To define a standardized and compliant procedure for the transport of plasma samples collected during BA/BE studies from the clinical site to the designated bioanalytical laboratory, maintaining sample integrity, cold chain, and traceability throughout the process.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the packaging, labeling, documentation, and physical transport of plasma samples during

BA/BE clinical studies conducted at the research facility.

3. Responsibilities

  • Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC): Coordinates labeling and documentation of samples for dispatch.
  • Sample Handler/Technician: Ensures proper packaging, temperature monitoring, and handover to courier or internal transport team.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): Reviews sample transport logs and ensures adherence to SOP.
  • Transport Personnel: Ensures safe delivery and documentation of receipt at the bioanalytical lab.

4. Accountability

The Principal Investigator (PI) is accountable for ensuring that plasma samples are transported under validated conditions without compromising quality or traceability.

5. Procedure

5.1 Sample Preparation and Packaging

  1. Ensure all plasma samples are properly aliquoted, labeled with:
    • Study ID
    • Subject ID
    • Timepoint
    • Visit date
  2. Place labeled samples in cryoboxes and wrap with absorbent material.
  3. Insert cryoboxes into validated cold chain transport containers pre-chilled to -20°C or as per protocol.
  4. Include a temperature monitoring device (e.g., data logger or freeze tag).

5.2 Documentation

  1. Prepare Annexure-1: Plasma Sample Dispatch Form containing:
    • Study code, sample IDs, timepoints, and box details
    • Transporter’s name and signature
  2. Place a copy inside the transport container and retain one copy at site.

5.3 Transport Conditions

  1. Ensure containers are validated for maintaining required temperature for the expected transport duration.
  2. Mark the box with:
    • “Human Biological Samples – Handle with Care”
    • “Maintain Cold Chain”
  3. Ensure transit time is minimized and direct delivery is preferred.

5.4 Receipt and Handover at Bioanalytical Lab

  1. Upon arrival, the receiving lab staff verifies:
    • Seals and label integrity
    • Sample condition and quantity
    • Temperature log compliance
  2. Receiving person signs Annexure-2: Sample Receipt Acknowledgment Form.

5.5 Deviations and Excursions

  1. If temperature excursion or sample damage is observed:
    • Document incident in Annexure-3: Sample Transport Deviation Log
    • Inform QA and PI immediately

6. Abbreviations

  • BA: Bioavailability
  • BE: Bioequivalence
  • CRC: Clinical Research Coordinator
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • PI: Principal Investigator

7. Documents

  1. Plasma Sample Dispatch Form – Annexure-1
  2. Sample Receipt Acknowledgment Form – Annexure-2
  3. Sample Transport Deviation Log – Annexure-3

8. References

  • ICH E6(R2) – Good Clinical Practice
  • WHO Guidance on Transport of Infectious Substances
  • Study Protocol and Bioanalytical SOPs

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation
Department

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Plasma Sample Dispatch Form

Study Code Box ID Sample IDs Date Sent By Signature
BE/2025/094 BOX-01 VOL-101 to VOL-110 17/04/2025 Sunita Reddy Signed

Annexure-2: Sample Receipt Acknowledgment Form

Date Received Received By Sample Condition Seal Intact Remarks
17/04/2025 Ajay Verma Acceptable Yes Transport validated

Annexure-3: Sample Transport Deviation Log

Date Box ID Deviation Action Taken Notified To
17/04/2025 BOX-02 Temperature > -15°C Samples quarantined QA & PI

Revision History:

Revision Date Revision No. Details Reason Approved By
10/01/2022 1.0 Initial Release Study Start QA Head
17/04/2025 2.0 Added deviation log and updated documentation forms Audit Compliance QA Head
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