Cleanroom Qualifications

Since cleanrooms are used for sterile manufacturing, there are stringent measures to control the airflow, workflow, and staff flow. These measures ensure minimal contamination of the room. On the other hand, cleanroom requirements involve more than just the ambient conditions of temperature, humidity, and air quality; they also include equipment and process qualification. These procedures require a great deal of resources from the company. Therefore, you must consider them at the onset of the project.

GAMP®5

GAMP®5 guidelines help pharmaceutical companies validate their computer systems by providing evidence that the planned process will perform according to its intended purpose. Qualification is part of the validation process, which verifies a system or equipment’s expected functionality.

While qualification looks at the personnel, equipment, and systems, validation focuses on the process.

What is it?

GAMP® stands for Good Automated Manufacturing Practice. It is a guidance document that provides a framework for risk-based computer system validation. Under the GAMP® model, a computer system is evaluated and classified depending on its intended use and complexity. The latest GAMP® approach uses a V-model diagram to illustrate the consecutive steps in system validation. It contains the specifications established for a particular computer system and tests that constitute the verification process.

Apart from being a tool for facilitating and ensuring regulatory compliance, GAMP® can also be used to define the scope of your testing.

What is DQ?

The first step in a cleanroom validation process is the design qualification (DQ). It provides documented verification that the facility design, systems, and equipment are suitable for the cleanroom requirements. The most crucial activity is checking the structural suitability of the cleanroom. In this case, the primary consideration will be whether the capacity is sufficient and if there are design elements for efficient workflow and prevention of contamination. That means checking if the layout, connecting corridors, and ventilation systems will make the environment meet standard cleanroom requirements.

What is IQ?

Once the DQ and the installation is completed, qualification is crucial to confirm that the installation is consistent with the specified user requirement documentation. To run a practical installation qualification (IQ), you need equipment data sheets, installation guides, and technical personnel to oversee the activity. The objective is to compare standard installation procedures with installation records. This comparison helps to identify any mishaps that could be challenging in the operational step of the cleanroom.

What is OQ?

The operational qualification (OQ) process involves identifying and inspecting equipment and systems under worst-case scenarios. The first step is setting the maximum temperature and observing how long it takes for the room to recover. Additionally, you can set up a worst-case personnel contamination scenario and observe how long it takes for the system to clear the contaminating elements.

What is PQ?

The performance qualification (PQ) process proves that under normal operating conditions and with the expected load, the cleanroom and all associated equipment will work as expected. The simulated process starts by setting the cleanroom under normal conditions, preferably at 60 percent humidity and above workload. Then you can test the equipment performance, monitor contamination levels, and check workflow and staff flow efficiency.

Centralized Monitoring System Validation

Contamination in any cleanroom can introduce discrepancies in product quality, eventually affecting process outcomes. Through environmental monitoring, you can sample process areas to confirm they are operating within the defined parameters.

Every cleanroom environmental monitoring solution should undergo validation to prove the system does what it is intended to do.

Autonomous monitoring systems are replacing low-cost manual sensors. With a centralized system, you can integrate all your sensors into one central dashboard, thereby bringing all your data under one roof. This centralization helps eliminate the manual tasks of sensor activation, resetting, and data collection. Additionally, you will enjoy the benefits of automated and seamless data acquisition, distribution, and analysis.

What is Included in a monitoring system?

A monitoring system is a crucial tool in cleanroom requirements and maintaining compliance within a sterile facility. It provides a way to log prevailing ambient conditions that prove compliance to regulatory standards. Additionally, the monitoring system can log deviations from the expected conditions and generate alarms to trigger remedial procedures. Through environmental monitoring, you can avoid product loss and improve process efficiency and product quality.

Validation of systems ensure accuracy, reliability, consistent intended performance, and the ability to discern invalid or altered records.