SOP for Out of specification (OOS) result in Microbiological Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To lay down a procedure for handling of out-of-specification (OOS) results in Microbiological analysis and monitoring.

RESPONSIBILITY

Quality Control Executive/ Microbiologist

ACCOUNTABILITY

Quality Control Manager

PROCEDURE

In all the reports the identified reason shall be written on a continuation sheet to the annexure provided. A copy of the above investigation report shall be maintained with the batch manufacturing records concerned to increase awareness and for any future reference

Sterility Test

• If evidence of microbial growth is found, the product to be examined does not comply with the test for sterility, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the test was invalid for causes unrelated to the product to be examined. The test may be considered invalid only when one or more of the following conditions are fulfilled:

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1. The data of the microbiological monitoring of the sterility testing facility shows fault;
2. A review of the testing procedure used during the test in question reveals a fault;
3. Microbial growth is found in the negative controls;
4. After determination of the identity of the microorganisms isolated from the test, the growth of this species or these species may be ascribed unequivocally to faults with respect to the material and/or the technique used in conducting the sterility test procedure.

• If the test is declared to be invalid it is repeated with the same number of units as in the original test.
• If no evidence of microbial growth is found in the repeat test the product examined complies with the test for sterility. If microbial growth is found in the repeat test the product examined does not comply with the test for sterility.

Environmental Monitoring

• If the microbial counts are found to be more than or equal to the alert limit then open a deviation report (annexure I) through Q.C. Head to the concerned Production head. Production personnel shall check the working discipline, supply of air, safety measures etc.
• If the count exceeds or reaches the action limit then the urgent notification to the Production head and Engineering Head through Q.C. Head shall be followed by an investigation for the same.

1. Supply of air
2. Working discipline
3. Review of data from the same place and others from the incubated plates
4. If any of the plates does not indicate the same then no action is necessary.
5. If any of the plates indicates more count then perform additional cleaning, disinfection or fumigation, and retraining to the operator shall be given.
6. All activities shall be recorded as per the annexure attached to this SOP.
7. More samplings (i.e. double the original) shall be performed at the same location where the counts observed were beyond or equivalent to the action limit but an additional relevant parameter of monitoring shall also be performed which shall be incorporated with the same annexure.
8. All the batches manufactured during the said period shall be subjected to microbial analysis for MLT / Sterility &BET to ensure that the batches manufactured are per the relevant finished product specifications. The investigation report shall be submitted to the Q.C. - Head

• If the bio-burden is found out of the specified limit in the core areas, the organism will be identified.
• Stop the production immediately and check all the possible parameters, which can affect the bio-burden of the area.
• Check the pressure differential of the area, which must be within the specified limit.
• Check the air velocity of LAF / HEPA filters, which must be within the specified limit.
• If the investigation/review of manufacturing activities (e.g. sterilization process, aseptic filtration, environmental conditions, personnel practices) indicates failure of manufacturing activities, then the batch shall be considered as failed to comply with sterility.

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Microbiological & BET Examination of Water

• If only the alert is exceeded without finding an undesirable microorganism the release of the preparation for which this water has been used, has to be taken under hold till the result comes.

• In case of the counts touch the action limit then all the batches manufactured shall be re-analyzed by taking 25 grams and making the allowance for the larger size specimen for the analysis.
• In the case of counts crossing or touching the alert limit or action limit in any type of water, the same will be intimated to the production and maintenance departments. If the result cannot be attributed to the analytical error, sampling error, or contamination in the container sampled then the microorganism detected must be identified/differentiated by taking samples from all other points.

1. Adequate sanitization of the system shall be ensured to eliminate the source of contamination with a rigorous check for the same.
2. All the investigations made shall be recorded in Annexure III provided with this SOP.

Microbiological Examination of Raw Material / Finished Product

• The first action is to intimate the Q.C. Head.
• Retest the same material/product but with a sample size of 25 grams by making allowance for the larger size specimen.
• Results for the same shall be intimated to the Q.A. Head for final decision.

ANNEXURE

REVISION HISTORY

Nil

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