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usp-621-chromatography-conditions-for-impurity-identification
Impurity Profiling EMA Guideline on Genotoxic Impurities in PharmaceuticalsEMA Reflection Paper on Low Level ImpuritiesFDA Guidance: Microbial Impurities and Endotoxin LevelsFDA Guidance: Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for ImpuritiesFDA ICH M3(R2): Impurities in Safety StudiesFDA Q&A on Impurities in Generic Drug ApplicationsFDA Q&A: Managing Impurities in Complex APIsICH E14: QT Interval Evaluation and Impurity ImpactICH M7: Mutagenic Impurity Risk AssessmentICH Q10: Pharmaceutical Quality System for Impurity ManagementICH Q11: Impurity Control Strategy in Drug Substance DevelopmentICH Q12: Lifecycle Management of Impurity Control StrategyICH Q1E: Evaluation of Stability Data Related to Impurity FormationICH Q2(R1): Validation of Analytical Methods for Impurity TestingICH Q3A: Organic Impurity Profiling in Drug SubstancesICH Q3B: Impurity Testing in Finished Drug ProductsICH Q3C: Residual Solvent ProfilingICH Q3D: Elemental Impurity Risk AssessmentICH Q3F: Impurity Guidelines for Biotechnology ProductsICH Q4B: Harmonization of Analytical Procedures for Impurity TestingICH Q5C: Impurity Monitoring in Biotechnological ProductsICH Q6A: Specifications and Acceptance Criteria for ImpuritiesICH S3A: Impurities Arising from Degradation ProductsICH S6: Biotech Product Impurity ProfilingICH S7A: Safety Pharmacology Impurity EvaluationICH S9: Impurities in Oncology ProductsISO 10993-18: Chemical Characterization and Impurity AnalysisISO 17025: Accreditation for Impurity Testing LaboratoriesJP General Rule 2.60: Limit Test for ImpuritiesPh. Eur. 2.2.28: Gas Chromatography for Impurity DetectionPh. Eur. 2.2.38: Thin-Layer Chromatography for ImpuritiesPh. Eur. 2.2.46: Chromatographic Separation for Impurity AnalysisPh. Eur. 2.4.14: Determination of Inorganic ImpuritiesPh. Eur. 2.4.20: Limit Test for Heavy Metals in ImpuritiesPh. Eur. 2.4.24: Related Substances by HPLC in APIsPh. Eur. 2.4.29: Limit Test for Sulfated Ash ImpuritiesPh. Eur. 2.5.13: Oxidizing Impurity TestsPh. Eur. 2.9.40: Uniformity of Dosage Units and Related ImpuritiesPh. Eur. 5.10: Control of Impurities in Substances for Pharmaceutical UsePh. Eur. 5.4: Impurities in Radiopharmaceutical PreparationsUSP <1010>: Analytical Data Integrity in Impurity ReportingUSP <1031>: The Biocompatibility of Materials and ImpuritiesUSP <1051>: Cleaning Validation Limits and Residual ImpuritiesUSP <1058>: Analytical Instrument Qualification for Impurity StudiesUSP <1078>: Good Manufacturing Practices for Impurity ReductionUSP <1085>: Evaluation of Impurity Method PerformanceUSP <1086>: Impurities in Drug SubstancesUSP <1088>: Forced Degradation Studies for Impurity CharacterizationUSP <1091>: Impurity Isolation and Characterization TechniquesUSP <1099>: Acceptable Analytical Performance CriteriaUSP <1121>: Bulk Pharmaceutical Chemicals and Impurity HandlingUSP <1151>: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Impurity ConsiderationUSP <1191>: Stability Testing of Compounded PreparationsUSP <1222>: Terminal Sterilization Impact on ImpuritiesUSP <1224>: Transfer of Impurity Test ProceduresUSP <1225>: Validation of Compendial Procedures for ImpuritiesUSP <1226>: Verification of Compendial Procedures for Impurity DetectionUSP <1231>: Water for Pharmaceutical Purposes and Impurity EffectsUSP <1232>: Water Activity and Impurity StabilityUSP <1241>: Capsules and Shell Impurity InteractionUSP <1251>: Weighing on Analytical Balances for Micro-ImpuritiesUSP <161>: Transdermal Delivery Systems and Impurity ControlUSP <197>: Spectrophotometric Identification of ImpuritiesUSP <233>: Elemental Impurities Profiling Using ICP-MSUSP <41>: Balances Used for Impurity Weight DeterminationUSP <466>: Identification and Quantification of DegradantsUSP <467>: Residual Solvent Testing in APIs and ExcipientsUSP <476>: Impurity Profiling for New Drug ApplicationsUSP <730>: Plasma Spectrochemistry for Impurity ProfilingUSP <791>: pH Determination Impact on Impurity SolubilityUSP <797>: Sterile Compounding and Impurity ControlUSP <800>: Hazardous Drug Handling Based on Impurity RiskUSP <851>: Spectrophotometry and Light Scattering for ImpuritiesUSP <853>: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for Trace ImpuritiesUSP <857>: UV-Vis Spectroscopy for Impurity QuantificationUSP <85>: Bacterial Endotoxin Limits Related to Impurity SafetyUSP <891>: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for Structural ElucidationUSP <905>: Content Uniformity Related to ImpuritiesUSP <905>: Uniformity of Dosage Units Affected by ImpuritiesUSP <941>: Characterization of Impurity Solubility and pKaWHO TRS 970 Annex 2: Impurity Control in Medicines

USP <621>: Chromatography Conditions for Impurity Identification Laboratory Testing Service Provided by Eurolab

Standard-Related Information

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes standards for the pharmaceutical industry. USP <621> is one of the numerous standards developed by USP to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

International Standards

  • ISO 14644-1:2004 (Cleanliness classes for cleanrooms and associated controlled environments)
  • ASTM E691-11 (Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method)
  • EN 14045 (Pharmaceuticals - Impurities in pharmaceutical products - Determination by chromatography)
  • National Standards

  • FDA Guidance for Industry: Impurities in New Drug Submissions
  • ICH Q3A(R2) Impurities: Guideline for Residual Solvents
  • Standard Development Organizations

    The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) are some of the prominent standard development organizations that contribute to the development of standards for laboratory testing.

    Standards Evolution and Updates

    Standards evolve as new technologies, research findings, and regulatory requirements emerge. Standard development organizations continually review and update existing standards to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

    Standard Compliance Requirements

    Pharmaceutical companies must comply with relevant national and international standards when conducting USP <621> testing. Failure to do so may result in product recalls, quality issues, or even legal action.

    Industries Requiring USP <621> Testing

  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Biotechnology sector
  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Food and beverage industry
  • Consequences of Not Performing USP <621> Testing

    Failure to conduct USP <621> testing may lead to:

  • Quality issues with final products
  • Regulatory compliance problems
  • Increased costs due to product recalls or rework
  • Damage to company reputation
  • Test Conditions and Methodology

    USP <621> testing involves the following steps:

    1. Sample preparation: Extracting impurities from the sample using a suitable solvent.

    2. Chromatography: Separating and identifying the extracted impurities using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

    3. Data analysis: Interpreting HPLC data to determine the presence and concentration of impurities.

    Testing Equipment and Instruments

  • HPLC system
  • Autosampler
  • Column oven
  • Detector
  • Testing Environment Requirements

    Temperature: 20C 1C

    Humidity: 50 10

    Pressure: 1013 mbar 5

    Sample Preparation Procedures

    1. Weighing: Accurately weighing the sample and solvent.

    2. Mixing: Combining the sample and solvent in a suitable container.

    Testing Parameters and Conditions

  • Flow rate
  • Column temperature
  • Detector wavelength
  • Measurement and Analysis Methods

  • HPLC data analysis software
  • Quantitative analysis of impurities using peak area or height measurements
  • Calibration and Validation Procedures

    1. Instrument calibration: Ensuring the HPLC system is accurately calibrated.

    2. Method validation: Validating the testing method to ensure it is robust and reliable.

    Quality Control Measures During Testing

  • Regular instrument maintenance
  • Calibration checks
  • Data verification and review
  • Data Collection and Recording Procedures

  • Electronic data capture using laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
  • Manual record-keeping for instrument settings, sample preparation, and testing conditions
  • Testing Timeframes and Duration

    Testing timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the analysis. Typical testing times range from a few hours to several days.

    Sample Size Requirements and Statistical Considerations

    Sample size calculations are performed based on the desired level of precision and confidence intervals.

    Test Reporting and Documentation

    Test results are reported in accordance with relevant standards, including:

  • USP <621>
  • ISO 17025:2017 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories)
  • ASTM E1483-97 (Standard Guide for Writing Test Plans)
  • Interpretation of Test Results

    Impurity levels exceeding acceptable limits indicate potential safety or efficacy issues.

    Certification and Accreditation Aspects

    Eurolab is certified to ISO 17025:2017, ensuring the quality and competence of testing services.

    Traceability and Documentation Requirements

  • LIMS electronic data capture
  • Instrument calibration records
  • Testing protocols
  • Reporting Standards and Formats

    Results are reported in accordance with relevant standards, including USP <621> and ISO 17025:2017.

    Electronic Reporting Systems Used

    LIMS systems facilitate electronic reporting and documentation of test results.

    Confidentiality and Data Protection Measures

    Eurolab adheres to data protection regulations and maintains confidentiality agreements for client information.

    Persuasive Conclusion

    USP <621> testing is a crucial step in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. Eurolabs certified laboratory provides accurate and reliable results, meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements.

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