Performance Qualification Protocol and Report for Autoclave

byPharmaGuide -
0
TABLE OF CONTENT
  1. Protocol Cum-Report Pre-Approval
  2. Introduction
  3. Objective
  4. Scope
  5. Responsibility
  6. Brief System Description
  7. Reason for Requalification/Re-Validation
  8. Frequency of Qualification
  9. Training of Execution Team
  10. Pre-Qualification & Validation Requirement
  11. Validation Methodology
  12. Acceptance Criteria
  13. Machine Operation
  14. Performance Test of Equipment
  15. Test Equipment calibration
  16. Vacuum Leak Rate Test
  17. Bowie Dick Test
  18. Heat Distribution Study
  19. Heat Penetration Study
  20. Biological Challenge Test (SAL)
  21. References
  22. Document to be attached
  23. Change Control If any
  24. Deviation from pre-defined parameters if any
  25. Conclusion and summary
  26. Abbreviations
  27. Annexures
  28. Execution Protocol cum report approval

PROTOCOL CUM-REPORT PRE-APPROVAL 

INITIATED BY:

DESIGNATION

NAME

SIGNATURE

DATE

CHEMIST Q.A.

 

 

 

REVIEWED BY:

DESIGNATION

NAME

SIGNATURE

DATE

MANAGER (PRODUCTION)

 

 

 

MANAGER (ENGINEERING)

 

 

 

MANAGER (QUALITY CONTROL)

 

 

 

APPROVED & AUTHORISED BY:

DESIGNATION

NAME

SIGNATURE

DATE

HEAD (QUALITY ASSURANCE)

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION
  • This document applies to the Moist Heat Sterilizer (Autoclave) Machine Specified by XYZ Ltd.
  • The system is designed considering as the basis for specification parameters with allowable parameters at the user end with suitable Design Limits.


OBJECTIVE
  • The process of Autoclave is evaluated on basis of a Different Cycle Test design to demonstrate that the sterilization and associated control procedure can reproducibly deliver a sterile product.
  • To confirm/demonstrate the efficiency of the sterilization process, which is capable of killing the microorganisms & Pyrogene present in the article to sterilize in the Moist Heat Sterilizer.
  • To establish documented evidence that the Equipment is capable of performing as per specified acceptance criteria and is adequate to provide the assurance for which the process is intended.
  • The performance shall be measured and evaluated by:
  1. Vacuum leak Rate Test (3 trials)
  2. Bowie Dick Test (3 Trials on different days)
  3. Heat Distribution Study in different three cycles.
  4. Heat Penetration Study
  5. Biological challenge testing for standard and reduced cycle loads
  • The Heat distribution & Heat penetration studies shall be conducted to check the performance of the sterilization cycle.
  • The validation protocol Cum-Report is designed to establish & provided documentary evidence, to assure that the autoclave is suitable for Sterilizing different load. In addition, this validation protocol Cum-Report is intended to assure the sterility of the items, when the established Standard Operating Procedure to maintain reliability and repeatability.
  • To confirm the suitability of the Standard Operating Procedure for all routine activities associated with the system.

SCOPE
  • Performance Qualification is an essential part of the qualification mechanism. The scope of this protocol Cum-Report is to provide complete documentary evidence for the performance qualification of the Autoclave.
  • The protocol Cum-Reports cover all aspects of Performance Qualification for Autoclave Serving XYZ Ltd., 
  • This protocol Cum-Report will define the method and documentation used to quality the Autoclave for Performance Qualification.
  • To ensure the Autoclave meets the cGMP requirement.
  • To confirm the appropriateness of critical parameters of the Autoclave components.
  • To validate the system and check its performance.

RESPONSIBILITY
The Validation Group comprising of a representative from each of the following Departments shall be responsible for the overall compliance of this protocol Cum-Report.

Quality Assurance:
  • Preparation, Review, Approval, and Compilation of the Qualification Protocol Cum-Report for Correctness, Completeness, and Technical Excellence.
  • Protocol Cum-Report Training
  • Coordination with Quality Control, Production, and Engineering to carry out Qualification Activities.
  • Monitoring of Qualification Activity.


Quality Control:
  • Review of Qualification Protocol Cum-Report.
  • Analytical Support (Microbiological Testing/Analysis)

Production:
  • Review of Qualification Protocol Cum-Report.
  • To coordinate and support Performance Qualification Activity.

Engineering:
  • Review of Qualification Protocol Cum-Report.
  • To coordinate and support Performance Qualification Activity.
  • Responsible for Troubleshooting during execution (If occurs)

BRIEF SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
  • Performance Qualification shall be performed after completion and approval of Operational Qualification.
  • The equipment shall be used for Moist heat sterilization of pharmaceutical requirements to be used in the formulation of the sterile area. The equipment shall operate in a dust-free environment and conditions as per the GMP requirements. The machine is designed to perform efficient Moist heat sterilization in minimum time.
  • Standard Moist heat Sterilizer is a Jacketed Vessel. In the Moist Heat Sterilization cycle is introduced into the jacket which ensures preheating of the chamber and effective utilization of Moist heat energy.
  • After a fixed no. of pulses, Moist heat in the chamber is increased till the sterilization temperatures are reached. The control system in place then controls this chamber temperature for sterilization time.
  • After the sterilization hold period is completed, a temperature up to a pre-determined level is created in the chamber. When this temperature level is reached, the control system ensures that the temperature is maintained for the specified time.
  • The Moist Heat Sterilizer Process consists of the following phases:-
  1. Heating phase to 121˚C
  2. Pressure limit for sterilization NLT 1.5 kg
  3. Sterilization temperature 121˚C
  4. Sterilization time 30 min
  5. Cooling time 15 min

Equipment Use
It is an industrial Moist heat sterilizer, specially designed for:
  • Sterilization of machine parts, Membrane holder, rubber bungs, garments, gloves, utensils, and assembly.

REASON FOR QUALIFICATION / VALIDATION
  • Periodic qualification/validation as per frequency mentioned in the Validation master plan.
  • Substitution of an existing system or its components with a new one.
  • Any major modification in the existing system design & operational parameters.
  • If the system is found to be malfunctioning.
  • Shifting of the system from one location to another.
  • Periodic qualification/validation.
  • If Installation of new Equipment.
(Specific Reason)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FREQUENCY OF QUALIFICATION
  • Yearly as per Master Validation Plan.
  • After any major breakdown or modification.

TRAINING OF EXECUTION TEAM
  • Training to the Execution Team shall be provided for the execution of Protocol Cum-Report before starting the Re-qualification/Re-validation activity.
  • The Training shall be recorded in the training record.

PRE-QUALIFICATION & VALIDATION REQUIREMENTS
  • To Conduct Re-qualification/Re-validation of the Moist Heat Sterilizer, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
  1. Calibrated data logger with calibrated sensors.
  2. Calibrated thermocouples.
  3. Qualified pure steam.
  4. The integrity of the vent filter at the cooling zone
  5. All parts of MHS used for measurements like temperature sensors, gauges, and timers must be calibrated.
  6. All other instruments used for qualification must be calibrated.

VALIDATION METHODOLOGY
  • The Moist Heat Sterilizer shall be considered Qualification / Validation successful completion on the following test:
  1. Empty Chamber Heat Distribution Studies (1 cycle) with a Temperature sensor at different locations of the Sterilizer Chamber.
  2. Loaded chamber Heat Distribution Studies (1cycles) for each sterilization load of a possible layer of the load subjected for sterilization.
  3. Half Loaded chamber Heat Distribution Studies (1cycles) for each sterilization load of a possible layer of the load subjected for sterilization.
  4. After the Successful of Heat Distribution study, shall perform Bio-challenge studies using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore Ampoule (containing 106 more spores) during the heat penetration studies in different three cycles as empty chamber, half load, and full load.
  5. Estimation of the F0 value achieves during the sterilization hold period at each temperature mapping probe.
  6. To quality these tests, the Equipment should fulfill the acceptance criteria described in the individual test procedure.
  7. To quality these tests, the Equipment should fulfill the acceptance criteria described in the individual test procedure.


ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
  • Performance qualification shall be considered acceptable when requirements of this protocol Cum - Report have been fulfilled and all the components of the Moist Heat Sterilizer performed as per the design specifications and as per manufacturer recommendations.

MACHINE OPERATION
The machine operation consists of the following operations:
  • Load the chamber and close the door.
  • Upcoming temperature for sterilization is 121˚C at a pressure between 15-18 lbs or NLT 1.5 kg/cm2.
  • Hold the sterilization temperature for a minimum of 15 min to a maximum of 30 min sterilization time.
  • After completion of the sterilization process put on hold for 15 min as a cooling phase.
  • Unload the lot in a sterile buffer zone under LAF.


PERFORMANCE TEST OF EQUIPMENT
  1. The performance qualification test should be performed for different parameters of the Moist Heat Sterilizer.
  2. All tests and those classifications are given below:
  • Test Equipment Calibration
  • Vacuum Test (3 trials)
  • Bowie Dick Test (3 Trials on different days) 
  • Heat Distribution Study in different three-cycle
- Heat Distribution Study In Empty Chamber
- Heat Distribution Study in Full Load.
- Heat Distribution Study In Half Load
  • Heat Penetration Study with Bio-challenge test in different three-cycle.
- Heat Penetration Study in Empty Chamber with biological Indicators
- Heat Penetration Study in Full Load with biological Indicators with Ampoules/Vials.
- Heat Penetration Study in Half Load with biological Indicators with Ampoule/Vial. 
  • Biological challenge testing for standard and reduced cycle loads

Test Equipment Calibration
  • Review the calibration status for the test equipment (Data-Logger with sensors) to be utilized and record the calibration due. All Equipment / Instrumentation must remain within the calibration due date for the duration of the Revalidation Study for which the item is used. If a due date potential occurs during the testing period then the instrument must be re-calibrated before it is utilized. Record the calibration details.

PRE & POST CALIBRATION OF TEMPERATURE MEASURING SENSOR:
Pre & post-calibration shall be carried out before starting and after completion of the Heat Distribution cycle as well as the Heat Penetration cycle.

Preparation of Ice Bath
  • Prepare a container with crushed ice and add enough purified water to ensure a proper slush solution.
  • Allow the temperature to stabilize; ensure to add sufficient crushed Ice to maintain the equilibrium state of Ice and water.

Procedure
  • Temperature sensors that are to be used for the qualification study shall be calibrated in Ice Bath at approximately 0ºC and in the High-Temperature reference data logger block at 50,100,121 & 150ºC before its usage in the qualification.
  • Record the temperature of all the sensors while putting them in Ice Bath after 1 minute of temperature stabilization.
  • Put individual sensors to the slot of the High-temperature Reference block which is stabilized at the required temperature Record the reading at least one minute after stabilization of temperature.
  • Record the temperature for five minutes by the data logger and record the temperature from data logger display.


Acceptance Criteria
  • No temperature sensor should vary by 1ºC in Ice Bath from the means of temperature shown by the calibrated thermometer during the Data-logging period.
  • No temperature sensor should vary by 1ºC in the High-temperature reference block from the mean of temperature shown by calibrated thermometer during the data-logging period.

Results
Record the calibration details.

Vacuum Leak Test Rate

Objective
  • To verify the integrity of the chamber and door seals via pressure hold test under vacuum.

Procedure
  • Shut the door of the autoclave properly.
  • Apply the 100 m bar or 0.93 kg /cm2 pressure and record the P1, P2, P3.
  • P1 (achieved the desired vacuum),
  • P2 (at holding 5 min or after 5 min.
  • P3 (after 10min of P2).
  • Calculate the vacuum drop / min by use the following formula. 
(P3 –P2) / 10

Acceptance criteria
  • The rate of vacuum drop at the end of 10 min not more than 30 m bar or 1.3 m bar /min.


Bowie Dick Test

Objective
  • The bowie dick test demonstrates proper air removal from the chamber of a pre-vacuum autoclave.

Procedure
  • To run the test, a pack is placed in an empty chamber on the lowest shelf above the drain (the coldest point in the chamber) and a bowie dick cycle is initiated the sterilization cycle consists of three to four pre-vacuum pulses reaching the set point of Temperature 121˚c.
  • The thermochromatic paper put inside the pack will indicate if steam has penetrated the porous load. A bowie dick test pack that shows a uniform dark black color pattern indicates a successful vacuum and full steam penetration, whereas no or partial color change indicates an unsuccessful test cycle.


Acceptance criteria
  • Bowie dick test pack should be a uniform dark black color pattern indicates.

Heat Distribution Study

A. Heat Distribution Study in Empty Chamber

Objective
  • Physical qualification of the production sterilization cycle to demonstrate that heat distribution within the empty chamber is consistent.
  • The Sterilizer is capable of at training a temperature and pressure of 121ºC and 1.5 kg/cm2 or 15 lbs during the sterilization hold period.

Procedure
  • Fit the 16 thermocouple probes (S1, S2, S3…….S16) through the validation port in the autoclave door and check the connection to the autoclave data recorder the position each probe. Probe replacement inside the chamber shall reflect the result for the determination of hot and cold point within the chamber.

Acceptance criteria
  • Record the overall time for the cycle and verify that the heating time is consistent.
  • The leak rate test remains within specification.
  1. Stratification within is the chamber is acceptable. that is thermocouple probes measure within ±2˚C of each other.
  2. All measured thermocouple temperature show 121˚C +3/-0˚C and do not fluctuate by more than 1˚C During the sterilization hold phase.
  3. At least 10 thermocouple probes remain active during the study.
  4. Correlate autoclave temperature and pressure readings during the sterilization hold time, against saturated steam tables and record the result.
  5. Verify that the accumulated heat loads for each probe as indicated by F0 are consistent.
FPhys = ΔtΣ10 (T0 -Tref) / Z
Where
Δt = 1 minute
T0 = Thermocouple temperature (˚C)
Tref = 121˚C
Z = Value specific to the biological indicator used or 10˚C if not specified.

B. Heat Distribution Study in Loaded Chamber
  • Physical qualification of the production sterilization cycle to demonstrate that heat distribution within the loaded chamber is consistent.
  • The Sterilizer is capable of at training a temperature and pressure of 121ºC and 1.5 kg/cm2 or 15 lbs during the sterilization hold period.

Procedure
  • Define the Load pattern as Loaded cycles
  • Load cycles 1 : 15 pairs of Sterile dresses, 30 pairs of gloves.
  • Load cycle 2 : Machine parts, one filling vessel, one filter assembly.
  • Load cycle 3 : Maximum 50000 rubber plugs / 50000 flip-off seals.
  • Fit the 16 thermocouple probes ( S1, S2, S3…….S16) through the validation port in the autoclave door and check the connection to the autoclave data recorder the position each probe. Probe replacement inside the chamber shall reflect the result for the determination of hot and cold points within chamber.


Acceptance criteria
  • Record the overall time for the cycle and verify that the heating time is consistent.
  • The leak rate test remains within specification.
  1. Stratification within is the chamber is acceptable is thermocouple probes mesure within ± 2˚C of each other.
  2. All measured thermocouple temperature show 121˚C +3/-0˚C and do not fluctuate by more than 1˚C During the sterilization holds phase.
  3. At least 10 thermocouple probes remain active during the study.
  4. Correlate autoclave temperature and pressure readings during the sterilization hold time, against saturated steam tables and record the result.
  5. Verify that the accumulated heat loads for each probe as indicated by F0 are consistent.
FPhys = ΔtΣ10 (T0 -Tref) / Z
Where
Δt = 1 minute
T0 = Thermocouple temperature (˚C)
Tref = 121˚C
Z = Value specific to the biological indicator used or 10˚C if not specified.
  • Verify that the “cold-spot” location is constant, in three consecutive cycles, for defined load pattern .

Heat Penetration Study

Objective
  • Physical qualification of the sterilization cycle to demonstrate that heat penetration equipment loads items effectively for the standard load configuration set out in this protocol.
  • To ensure that if sterilization temperature (121ºC) is not achieved throughout the cycle, load configuration or size of the load has to be reviewed and the sterilization cycle to be repeated.
  • Heat Penetration Studies shall be carried out with the following different loads.
  1. Load cycle 1
  2. Load cycle 2
  3. Load cycle 3

Procedure
  • Open the door and put the defined load and thermocouples probe and run the cycle for a standard time after shutting the door properly.
  • Fit the 16 thermocouple probes (S1, S2, S3…….S16) through the validation port in the autoclave door and check the connection to the autoclave data recorder and the position of each probe. Probe replacement inside the chamber shall reflect the result for the determination of hot and cold points within the chamber.

Acceptance criteria
  • Verify the consistency of operation of sterilization production cycle parameters – Heating phase 121ºC
  • Sterilization temperature 121ºC Sterilization time 15 Min
  • The vacuum Leak Rate test remains within specification.
  • Stratification within the chamber is acceptable. that is thermocouple probes mesure within ±2˚C of each other.
  • All measured thermocouple temperature show 121˚C +3/-0˚C and do not fluctuate by more than 1˚C During the sterilization holds phase.
  • At least 10 thermocouple probes remain active during the study.
  • Correlate autoclave temperature and pressure readings during the sterilization hold time, against saturated steam tables and record the result.
  • Verify that the accumulated heat loads for each probe as indicated by F0 are consistent.
FPhys = ΔtΣ10 (T0 -Tref) / Z
Where
Δt = 1 minute
T0 = Thermocouple temperature (˚C)
Tref = 121˚C
Z = Value specific to the biological indicator used or 10˚C if not specified.

  • Verify that the “cold-spot” location is constant, in three consecutive cycles, for defined load pattern.


Biological Challenge Test for Loaded Cycle

Objective
  • Biological qualification of the sterilization cycle to demonstrate that the delivered lethality measured by the actual kill of micro-organisms on a biological indicator system results in PNSU ≤ 10-6.
  • PNSU : Probability of a non-sterile unit.
  • SAL : Sterility Assurance Level

Guidelines for handling Biological Indicators
  • Collect the required number of GPT (Growth Promotion Test ) passed Biological indicators from the Microbiological Laboratory. Transfer the ampoules in a sealed bag to the facility.
  • Handle the glass ampoules carefully. Keep spare gloves and sample jar close by case of damage. If an ampoule is damaged, than transfer immediately to the sample jar and seal. Change the gloves, and notify production, so that the area can be cleaned down accordingly, using a sporicidal sanitary (10% H2O2 in 70 % solution and leave to soak for 60 minutes. Contaminated gloves and samples shall be transferred to the microbiology Laboratory for disposal.
  • Treat all autoclaved biological indicators as potentially viable and handle as described places in a sealed bag for transfer back to the microbiology lab.
  • Verify that the number of biological indicators issued and the no. returned from to the microbiology laboratory are the same (100% accountability) inform the production manager on duty immediately of any discrepancies.

Procedure
  • This test is run concurrently with the test of heat penetration (i.e. temperature probes and biological indicators placed adjacently in the same loads).
  • Record the position and tag of each biological indicator Complete the sterilization cycle as heat penetration study.
  • Stop the heat penetration study after the first sterilization cycle has been completed.
  • Open the door prepare and prepare the next test cycle removing the used biological indicators and placing fresh biological indicators adjacent to each temperature probe.
  • Transfer the used BIs to the microbiology lab for incubation and testing
  • Calculate the actual log reduction (Nf =actual PNSU) of micro-organisms using:
FBIO = D121(Log N0 –Log NF)
Where 
FBIO = Fphys (as found from heat penetration study) 
D121 and N0 (From BI data)


Acceptance criteria
  • There shall be no growth of BIs, which have undergone the sterilization cycle.
  • There shall be positive growth of the controlled biological indicators, which have not undergone the sterilization cycle.
  • Bio-indictors shall comply with specifications before use. Glass ampoules G. stearothermophilus the biological indicators shall have:
  • Population > 5 x 105 G. stearothermophilus per ampoules, With a D value of not less than 1.5 min and not more than 2 min.

REFERENCES
The Principle Reference is the following:
  1. Master Validation Plan
  2. Schedule –M-“Good Manufacturing Practices” and Requirement of Premises, Plant and Equipment for Pharmaceutical Product.
  3. WHO Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy, QA of Pharmaceuticals, Vol.-2 Good Manufacturing Practices and Inspection.
  4. The following references are used to give addition guidance:
  5. Code of federal regulation(CFR), title 21, Part 210 current-Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in Manufacturing, Processing, Packing, of Holding of Drugs, General. April 1, 1998.
  6. Code of federal regulation (CFR), title 21, Part 211 current-Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for Finished Pharmaceuticals April 1, 1998.
  7. EU Guide to Good Manufacturing Practices, Part 4, 1997.

DOCUMENT TO BE ATTACHED
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


CHANGE CONTROL, IF ANY:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


DEVIATIONS FROM PRE-DEFINED PARAMETER (IF ANY):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY
Based on the validation results and reports, conclusion shall be drawn on the overall Performance of the Moist Heat sterilizer. The summary Protocol Cum-Report shall be reviewed and approved by Quality Assurance Team.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Verified By:                                                  Reviewed By:


ABBREVIATIONS
CFM : Cubic Feet Meter
Pvt. : Private
Ltd. : Limited
D.M. : Demineralized
Maint. : Maintenance
QA : Quality Assurance
No. : Number
◦C : Degree Celsius
GMP : Good Manufacturing Practices 
WHO : World Health Organization 
CFR : Code of Federal Regulation 
BIs : Biological indicators
PNSU : Probability of a non – sterile unit 
SAL : Sterility Assurance Level

ANNEXURES
Annexure-01: Training record
Annexure-02: Calibration detail
Annexure-03: Vacuum Leak rate Test
Annexure-04: Bowie Dick Test
Annexure-05: Heat distribution study
Annexure-06: Heat penetration study
Annexure-07: Biological challenge Test ( Sterility Assurance Level)

EXECUTED PROTOCOL CUM-REPORT APPROVAL

The below-listed review and approval signatures indicate approval of this protocol Cum-Report and its attachments and certify that it may be executed.

REVIEWED BY:

DESIGNATION

NAME

SIGNATURE

DATE

MANAGER (PRODUCTION)

 

 

 

MANAGER (ENGINEERING)

 

 

 

MANAGER (QUALITY CONTROL)

 

 

 

APPROVED & AUTHORISED BY:

DESIGNATION

NAME

SIGNATURE

DATE

HEAD (QUALITY ASSURANCE)

 

 

 

Tags

You may like these posts

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
close