Standard Operating Procedure for Sampling of Final Product for Quality Control Testing
| Department | Elixir Department |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/ELX/211/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/ELX/211/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 8 |
| Issue Date | 11/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 15/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 11/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define the standard procedure for sampling of final elixir product for quality control (QC) testing prior to batch release. This ensures representative, contamination-free sampling and compliance with regulatory and internal requirements.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to the sampling of finished elixir formulations from the final bulk container or filling tank prior to packing, performed by authorized personnel from Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
3. Responsibilities
- QC Analyst:
- Collect final samples as per sampling plan and test requirements.
- Label, transport, and document samples appropriately.
- Production Supervisor:
- Ensure the product is ready for sampling and provide access to tank or containers.
- QA Officer:
- Verify that the sample collected is representative and procedure is followed.
4. Accountability
The QC Head is accountable for correct and timely sampling. The QA Head is responsible for verifying compliance and authorizing sample testing and batch
review.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Sampling Checks
- Ensure final blending, volume adjustment, and in-process checks are completed.
- Obtain line clearance from QA before sampling.
- Ensure the sampling area is clean, sanitized, and labeled appropriately.
5.2 Sampling Equipment and Containers
- Use clean and dry stainless steel or glass sampling apparatus.
- Use sterile and chemically inert sample containers (amber glass or HDPE bottles with screw caps).
- Label sample containers prior to use with:
- Product Name
- Batch Number
- Date and Time of Sampling
- Sampler Name
- Test Purpose (e.g., Assay, Microbial, Stability)
5.3 Sampling Process
- Collect sample from the top, middle, and bottom layers using a zone sampler or through outlet valve depending on container design.
- Mix samples from different zones thoroughly to form a composite sample.
- Collect minimum quantity as per QC requirement:
- Assay & Related Substances: 100 mL
- Microbial Testing: 50 mL (sterile container)
- pH, Viscosity, Other Routine Tests: 100 mL
- Stability Sample (if applicable): 250 mL
- Do not allow sampling to interrupt batch integrity or introduce contamination.
5.4 Post Sampling Activities
- Seal all containers securely and immediately.
- Transport samples to the QC lab in a clean secondary container.
- Record details in the Final Product Sampling Logbook (Annexure-1).
- Attach the sampling data sheet to the Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR).
5.5 Re-sampling Procedure
- If re-sampling is required due to breakage, spillage, or OOS investigation:
- Obtain approval from QA.
- Use a fresh sampling set and containers.
- Label as “Re-sample – Investigation” and cross-reference original sample.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- QA: Quality Assurance
- QC: Quality Control
- BMR: Batch Manufacturing Record
- OOS: Out of Specification
7. Documents
- Final Product Sampling Logbook (Annexure-1)
- Sampling Data Sheet
- Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR)
8. References
- WHO TRS 1019 – Annex 3: GMP for Pharmaceutical Products
- 21 CFR Part 211.160 – Sampling and Testing of Final Product
- ICH Q6A – Specifications: Test Procedures and Acceptance Criteria
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Final Product Sampling Logbook
| Date | Batch No. | Sampling Point | Sample Type | Quantity | Sampled By | QA Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/04/2025 | ELX-0425-029 | Final Tank Outlet | Composite Sample | 250 mL | Rajesh Kumar | Sunita Reddy |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Release | New SOP | QA Head |
| 11/04/2025 | 2.0 | Updated sampling zones and re-sampling protocol | Process Improvement | QA Head |