Thursday, April 21, 2011

Are SOPs always needed for 21 CFR Part 820 compliance?

A QA consultant I know made the case that SOPs are not always needed for QSR compliance. As an example, his client is a small Class II Medical Device contract sterilization services company which has executed the validation of the computerized system controlling its sterilization line with a validation plan, test protocols, and a validation report. There is no SOP in place to ensure the consistency of validation for similar systems; however, the company seems to have passed all its FDA audits in the past 6 years with no major or minor findings.

GAMP-5 specifies: “It is the responsibility of regulated companies to establish policies and procedures to meet applicable regulatory requirements”

§ 820.75 Process validation from 21 CFR Part 820 specifies: “(a) Where the results of a process cannot be fully verified by subsequent inspection and test, the process shall be validated with a high degree of assurance and approved according to established procedures”, and

§ 820.3 Definitions from 21 CFR Part 820 further clarifies: “(k) Establish means define, document (in writing or electronically), and implement.”

What do you think?

1 comment:

  1. Hi,FDA 21 CFR Part 820 compliance require controls in design, document, purchase, and production process. This entails establishment of processes to ensure that a medical device conforms to specifications. Requirements emphasize maintenance of records of document changes, documentation of instructions of production processes and SOPs, and monitoring of process parameters.Thanks to all!!!
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
    Majakel

    ReplyDelete