Standard Operating Procedure for Deviation Management in Quality Assurance
| Department | Sterile Injectable Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/SIM/084/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/SIM/084/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 14 |
| Issue Date | 18/06/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/06/2025 |
| Review Date | 18/06/2026 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standard procedure for identifying, documenting, investigating, and resolving deviations encountered in processes, systems, or documentation related to sterile injectable manufacturing operations, ensuring consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all planned and unplanned deviations observed in manufacturing, packaging, quality
control, quality assurance, and warehouse operations within the sterile injectable manufacturing unit.
3. Responsibilities
- Initiator: Identifies and reports deviation by filling out the deviation form.
- QA Executive: Logs, reviews, investigates, and tracks deviations; ensures CAPA initiation.
- Department Head: Provides investigation support and ensures CAPA implementation.
- QA Manager: Reviews and approves investigation and CAPA; decides on batch disposition.
4. Accountability
Head – Quality Assurance is accountable for effective deviation management, ensuring closure within the stipulated time and compliance with GMP standards.
5. Procedure
5.1 Deviation Identification and Initiation
- Deviation may be identified during any operation, audit, or quality check.
- The concerned person must inform the supervisor and QA immediately.
- Fill out the Deviation Form (Annexure-1) and submit to QA within 24 hours of detection.
5.2 Deviation Logging and Numbering
- QA assigns a unique deviation number in the Deviation Register (Annexure-2).
- Number format: DEV/DEPT/XXX/YY (e.g., DEV/MFG/045/25).
5.3 Deviation Classification
- QA classifies deviations as:
- Critical: May affect product quality/safety.
- Major: Significant process/documentation lapses with potential indirect impact.
- Minor: Low-risk procedural lapses.
5.4 Investigation and Impact Assessment
- QA, along with the department head, conducts root cause analysis using tools such as 5-Why or Fishbone diagram.
- Assess product impact, batch status, and regulatory reporting requirement.
- Document findings in Deviation Investigation Report (Annexure-3).
5.5 Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
- Responsible person proposes CAPA using CAPA Form (Annexure-4).
- QA verifies and tracks CAPA implementation within 30 days.
- Re-train employees where required and update related SOPs.
5.6 Deviation Closure
- QA reviews CAPA completion and effectiveness check.
- Update Deviation Closure Status Log (Annexure-5).
- Deviation must be closed within 30 working days. If not, justify with reasons and revised timeline.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- QA: Quality Assurance
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices
7. Documents
- Deviation Form – Annexure-1
- Deviation Register – Annexure-2
- Deviation Investigation Report – Annexure-3
- CAPA Form – Annexure-4
- Deviation Closure Status Log – Annexure-5
8. References
- WHO TRS 986 Annex 2 – GMP Guidelines
- ICH Q9 – Quality Risk Management
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Subpart F (Production and Process Controls)
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | Manufacturing Executive | QA Executive | Head QA |
| Department | Production | Quality Assurance | Quality Assurance |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Deviation Form
| Deviation No. | DEV/MFG/045/25 |
|---|---|
| Date | 10/06/2025 |
| Department | Manufacturing |
| Description | pH meter calibration missed |
| Initiator | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Deviation Register
| Deviation No. | Date | Department | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEV/MFG/045/25 | 10/06/2025 | Manufacturing | Open |
Annexure-3: Deviation Investigation Report
| Root Cause | Missed schedule in calendar |
|---|---|
| Impact | None, instrument not used |
| Investigator | Sunita Reddy |
Annexure-4: CAPA Form
| Corrective Action | Re-train staff |
|---|---|
| Preventive Action | Setup alert system for calibration |
| Responsible Person | Anita Mehta |
Annexure-5: Deviation Closure Status Log
| Deviation No. | Closure Date | Verified By | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEV/MFG/045/25 | 25/06/2025 | QA Officer | Closed |
Revision History
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial version | New SOP implementation | QA Head |
| 18/06/2025 | 2.0 | Updated with annexures and CAPA workflow | Annual review | QA Head |