Capsule: SOP for Stability Chamber Monitoring and Maintenance – V 2.0

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Standard Operating Procedure for Stability Chamber Monitoring and Maintenance

Department	Quality Control
SOP No.	SOP/QC/214/2025
Supersedes	SOP/QC/214/2022
Page No.	Page 1 of 5
Issue Date	01/02/2025
Effective Date	05/02/2025
Review Date	01/02/2026

1. Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to define the procedure for monitoring and maintaining stability chambers used in stability testing for capsules. Proper chamber maintenance and monitoring are critical for ensuring accurate and reliable results for stability studies.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all stability chambers used for storing capsules during stability studies. It covers the monitoring of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light, as well as routine maintenance tasks.

3. Responsibilities

Quality Control (QC) Team: Responsible for monitoring the stability chambers, documenting the environmental conditions, and conducting routine checks to ensure compliance with study requirements.
Maintenance Team: Responsible for performing routine maintenance and calibration of the stability chambers to ensure that they function correctly and meet the required specifications.
Production Team: Provides the capsules for stability testing and ensures that the samples are placed correctly within the chambers.
Regulatory Affairs Team: Ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines regarding stability chamber maintenance and monitoring procedures.

4. Accountability

The Quality Control Manager is accountable for overseeing the monitoring of stability chambers and ensuring accurate documentation of environmental conditions. The Maintenance Manager is accountable for ensuring the proper functioning and calibration of the stability chambers.

5. Procedure

5.1 Initial Setup of Stability Chamber

Before using a stability chamber for testing, ensure the following:

Calibrate Environmental Controls
1. Ensure that the chamber is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Calibrate temperature, humidity, and light control systems.
2. Check calibration logs for previous calibration records and ensure that the equipment meets the required standards.
Verify Chamber Integrity
1. Inspect the chamber for any signs of physical damage, including door seals, humidity sensors, and temperature sensors.
2. Ensure the chamber is free from contaminants and properly cleaned before use.
Set Environmental Conditions
1. Set the required conditions for temperature, humidity, and light exposure as per the stability study protocol.
2. Verify that the conditions are consistent with the study requirements.

5.2 Ongoing Monitoring of Stability Chamber

During the stability study, ensure continuous monitoring:

Monitor Environmental Parameters
1. Regularly monitor the temperature, humidity, and light conditions inside the stability chamber. Use automated systems where available to collect data.
2. Ensure the chamber is operating within the specified limits. Record data at specified intervals (e.g., every 24 hours).
Document Environmental Conditions
1. Document the environmental parameters in the stability chamber log, including time, temperature, humidity, and any deviations from the set conditions.
2. In case of any deviation, investigate immediately and document the actions taken to correct the issue.
Verify Alarm Systems
1. Ensure that all alarm systems (temperature, humidity, and light) are functioning correctly to alert personnel in case of deviations.
2. Test the alarm system monthly and document the results of the test.

5.3 Chamber Maintenance

Routine maintenance and calibration of the stability chamber are essential:

Perform Regular Maintenance
1. Schedule and perform routine maintenance of the stability chamber at least every six months. This includes cleaning, calibration, and verification of environmental systems.
2. Ensure that all components, including sensors and controllers, are functioning properly.
Change Filters and Airflow Systems
1. Inspect and replace filters, if applicable, on a regular basis to maintain airflow quality and prevent contamination.
2. Ensure that the chamber’s air circulation and humidity control systems are working optimally.
Verify Chamber Cleanliness
1. Perform cleaning of the chamber as per the established cleaning schedule to prevent contamination and ensure a clean environment for stability testing.
2. Ensure that the chamber is free from dust and debris before placing any test samples inside.

5.4 Dealing with Deviations

If any deviations from the specified environmental conditions occur, take the following actions:

Identify the Cause
1. Immediately identify the cause of the deviation (e.g., equipment malfunction, external environmental factors, etc.).
2. Document the findings and initiate corrective actions as necessary.
Report the Deviation
1. Report any deviations to the Quality Control Manager and initiate an investigation to determine if the deviation could affect the stability study results.
2. Document all deviations in the deviation log and perform a risk assessment to determine whether the study can continue.
Corrective Actions
1. Take appropriate corrective actions to resolve the issue (e.g., recalibrate the equipment, replace malfunctioning parts).
2. Monitor the chamber to ensure that the issue has been resolved before resuming stability testing.

5.5 Post-Maintenance Procedures

After performing maintenance on the stability chamber, ensure the following:

Verify Chamber Conditions
1. After maintenance, verify that the chamber is set to the required temperature, humidity, and light conditions for the stability study.
2. Run the system for 24 hours to ensure that the conditions remain stable.
Update Maintenance Records
1. Update the maintenance log with the details of the maintenance activities performed, including the date, maintenance actions, and any corrective actions taken.
2. Ensure that the log includes details of any components replaced or repaired during the maintenance process.

6. Abbreviations

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
QC: Quality Control
BPR: Batch Production Record
USP: United States Pharmacopeia

7. Documents

Annexure 1: Stability Chamber Monitoring Log
Annexure 2: Equipment Maintenance Log
Annexure 3: Deviation Report

8. References

ICH Q1A – Stability Testing Guidelines
USP <701> – Disintegration of Tablets and Capsules
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

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	Prepared By	Checked By	Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation
Department

11. Annexures

Annexure 1: Stability Chamber Monitoring Log

Sample ID	Batch Number	Test Date	Temperature	Humidity	Light Exposure	Remarks
SC-001	Batch 024	07/02/2025	25°C	60%	No Light Exposure	Within specified limits
SC-002	Batch 025	07/02/2025	30°C	65%	UV Light	Deviated from parameters – adjusted

Annexure 2: Equipment Maintenance Log

Maintenance ID	Chamber Model	Maintenance Date	Actions Taken	Performed By
EQ-001	Model ABC	01/02/2025	Calibrated sensors, replaced light bulb	John Doe
EQ-002	Model XYZ	01/02/2025	Replaced humidity sensor, cleaned interior	Jane Smith

Annexure 3: Deviation Report

Deviation ID	Batch Number	Deviation Date	Deviation Details	Corrective Actions	Resolved By
DEV-001	Batch 024	05/02/2025	Temperature deviation – 28°C instead of 25°C	Adjusted chamber temperature, recalibrated sensor	John Doe
DEV-002	Batch 025	06/02/2025	Humidity fluctuation – 70% instead of 65%	Recalibrated humidity control system	Jane Smith

12. Revision History

Revision Date	Revision No.	Revision Details	Reason for Revision	Approved By
01/01/2024	1.0	Initial version of SOP	Creation of SOP for monitoring and maintaining stability chambers	QA Head
01/02/2025	2.0	Updated maintenance procedures and monitoring frequency	Incorporated more detailed calibration procedures	QA Head