Method validation documentation

Limit of detection (LOD) sounds like a term that is easily defined and measured. It presumably is the smallest concentration of analyte that can be determined to be actually present, even if the quantification has large uncertainty. The problem is the need to balance false positives (concluding the analyte is present, when it is not) and false negatives (concluding the analyte is absent, when it is really present). The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and ISO both shy away from the words limit of detection, arguing that this term implies a clearly defined cutoff above which the analyte is measured and below which it is not. The IUPAC and ISO prefer minimum detectable (true) value and minimum detectable value of the net state variable, which in analytical chemistry would become minimum detectable net concentration. Note that the LOD will depend on the matrix and therefore must be validated for any matrices likely to be encountered in the use of the method. These will, of course, be described in the method validation document. 

The interpretation and implementation of published methods invariably differ at different laboratories due to diversity of utilized instruments, their incidental elements and supplies, and the differences in method interpretation. Each analytical method must be validated at the laboratory before it is used for sample analysis in order to demonstrate the laboratory s ability to consistently produce data of known accuracy and precision. Method validation includes the construction of a calibration curve that meets the acceptance criteria the determination of the method s accuracy and precision and the MDL study. A method SOPs must be prepared and approved for use. Method validation documentation is kept on file and should be always available to the client upon request. 

In case there are doubts in data quality, request from the laboratory the SOPs, the MDL studies, and method validation documentation. Have them examined by a qualified chemist to determine if they are acceptable. 

This chapter highlights the important aspects of the analytical transfer process as they relate to compliance, analytical data, and documentation. Other chapters in this text should be consulted for elaboration on the various important facets of technical transfer, including method development, method validation, documentation, and stability. 

Codex (2002) Codex committee on methods of analysis and sampling. In-house method validation (document CX/MAS 01/9). See also Codex committee on methods of analysis and sampling. Consideration of IUPAC guidelines for the in-house (single laboratory) validation of methods of analysis (document CX/MAS 02/10). 

Look up the websites of at least three of the government agencies and professional societies listed in Section 4.6, and link to their pages dealing with method validation. Document the similarities and differences between them. 

C. Automated Methods VALIDATION DOCUMENTATION VALIDATION EXPERIMENTATION... 

This chapter highlights the important aspects of the analytical transfer processes as they relate to process, compliance, analytical data, and documentation. Types of method transfers and the timeline of transfer activities are discussed. The risk assessment prior to initiation of transfer activities is also described. The chapter describes content and utility of the transfer protocol and final report, as well as documents that govern analytical method transfers (i.e., SOPs and master plan). The importance of selecting appropriate method transfer acceptance criteria and use of statistical methods to evaluate results are described. The significance of the inclusion of an adequate level of detail in the methods, protocol(s), and other documents cannot be overly stressed. Last of all, the process for transfer of technical ownership of the analytical methods is discussed. Other chapters in this text should be consulted for elaboration on the various important facets of technical transfer, including method development, method validation, documentation, and stability. 

Research reports—Research reports such as stability reports, method validation and transfer reports, and pharmaceutical development reports are key documents used for NDA/MAA filings. These documents are strictly version controlled. 

Any validation and verification work performed must always be documented in such a way that the results can be checked and the scope of a method is clear. International standards, e.g., ISO 17025, contain separate sections regarding documentation, which should be observed. The NMKL procedure on method validation states that It is of particular importance that the report includes all raw data from the experimental work, or references to where such data can be found . In some circumstances this complete documentation is impractical. Even where it is practical, it is usually impossible to publish these results together with the methods. 

Obviously, a best or generally accepted documentation of performance data of validated multi-residue methods does not exist. Too many data are collected and then-detailed presentation may be confusing and impractical. Additionally, the validation of multi-residue methods is a continuous on-going process which started for many pesticides 20 years ago, when less comprehensive method requirements had to be fulfilled. For this reason, a complete and homogeneous documentation of method validation data cannot be achieved. 

B. Richter, J. EzzeU, and D. Felix, Single Laboratory Method Validation Report Extraction of Organo-phosphorus Agrochemicals, Chlorinated Herbicides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) with Analytical Validation by GC/NPD and GC/ECD, Document 101124, Dionex Sunnyvale, CA (1994). 

You may have included some other documents with the SOPs and WIs because they are also held in your area of the laboratory. These could be, for example, guides for carrying out particular activities, such as method validation, and international guidelines on how to achieve reliable results. Some areas of activity may be covered by legislation copies of the relevant documents will be kept locally as it may be referenced in the SOP. Equipment manuals are also kept locally. 

Partial or complete re-validation is another precedented approach to method transfer. Those variables described in method validation guidance documents (ICH Q2B, 1996 USP, 2012c) that are likely to be impacted by method transfer, should be assessed and documented (transfer or validation protocol). Agut et al. (2011) indicated that, in the changing industry model with the increased outsourcing of R and D activities (alliances, outsourcing, etc.), method re-validation may constitute, in some cases, an efficient approach when the transfer is performed from the Analytical Development Laboratory of an external partner who does not share exactly the same environment (validation standards, analytical culture or traditions , equipment, etc.). ... 

Rozet, E., Ceccato, A., Hubert, C., Ziemons, E., Oprean, R., Rudaz, S., Boulanger, B., Hubert, P. Analysis of recent pharmaceutical regulatory documents on analytical method validation. J. Chromatogr. A., 1158, 2007, 111-125. 

Method validation is discussed in Chapter 7 as it relates to the HPLC methods of analysis. Validation is a process required by law, and the concept is described by regulatory agencies in the guidance documents. The analyst performing method validation is responsible for interpreting the... 

Validation is the process of collecting documented evidence that the method performs according to the intended purpose. " The validation characteristics and the acceptance criteria to be applied in validation of HPLC methods for MAA/NDA filings and marketed products should comply with the international guidelines on method validation. Table 11 details validation activities to be conducted for type 1, type 2, and type 3 methods ... 

This chapter focuses on approaches to the validation of high-performance liquid chromatography methods based on regulatory guidance documents and accepted industry practices. The information in this chapter gives a brief review of the reasons for performing method validation and the regulations that describe this activity. Individual validation parameters are discussed in relation to the type of method to be validated. Examples of typical validation conditions are presented with references to additional information on individual topics. This chapter was written to help analysts responsible for method validation. 

In addition to online resources, other texts and references have discussed the process of validation for methods used in the pharmaceutical industry in relation to the regulatory guidance documents. These guides include discussions on method development in relation to method validation, the validation of non-chromatographic methods and stability indicating methods. 

Guidance for Industry, Analytical Procedures and Method Validation Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls Documentation, Draft, August 2000, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Center for Biologies Evaluation and Research, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services, 2000. 

Guidance for Industry, Analytical Procedures and Methods Validation, Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls Documentation, Draft Guidance, FDA, August 2000. 

Step 5 Off-line method or analyzer development and validation This step is simply standard analytical chemistry method development. For an analyzer that is to be used off-line, the method development work is generally done in an R D or analytical lab and then the analyzer is moved to where it will be used (QA/ QC lab, at-line manufacturing lab, etc.). For an analyzer that is to be used on-line, it may be possible to calibrate the analyzer off-line in a lab, or in situ in a lab reactor or a semiworks unit, and then move the analyzer to its on-line process location. Often, however, the on-line analyzer will need to be calibrated (or recalibrated) once it is in place (see Step 7). Off-line method development and validation generally includes method development and optimization, identification of appropriate check samples, method validation, and written documentation. Again, the form of the documentation (often called the method or the procedure ) is company-specific, but it typically includes principles behind the method, equipment needed, safety precautions, procedure steps, and validation results (method accuracy, precision, etc.). It is also useful to document here which approaches did not work, for the benefit of future workers. 

The method validation procedure should always be documented in order to give evidence of method performance. Proper documentation has an influence on the consistency and subsequent reproducibility, which, at the final stage affect the uncertainty contribution. The information in the validation documents should be clear and easily understood by everyone who uses the method. 

---