Plate number requirements for establishing method suitability

Establishing the suitability of an analytical system has become a routine requirement in the testing of modern pharmaceuticals. Acceptable parameters that illustrate the system is performing as intended and in an equivalent manner to the original validation are often set at the time of method validation and transferred with the method to the production laboratory. For chromatographic methods, these parameters include--but are not limited to--resolution, tailing, and plate number specifications. Transferring methods is often a seamless transition from research to quality control. However, far too often the quality group receives arguably "overzealous" and strict requirements for the method. More specifically, chromatographic methods get issued with plate number specifications that far exceed the minimum number required to achieve sufficient resolution of the analytes. Presented here is a discussion of the setting of realistic plate number specifications that still maintain the minimum resolution of the chromatographic critical pair.     

Qualification and validation of software and computer systems in laboratories

 Software and computer systems are tested during all development phases. The user requirements and functional specifications documents are reviewed by programmers and typical anticipated users. The design specifications are reviewed by peers in one to two day sessions and the source code is inspected by peers, if necessary. Finally, the function and performance of the system is tested by typical anticipated users outside the development department in a real laboratory environment. All development phases including test activities and the final release follow a well-documented procedure. Received: 17 May 1997 · Accepted: 30 June 1997     

Conditions of use for sealed cobalt 60 sources

Conditions of use specifications define suitable operating environments for sealed radioactive sources. There are minor differences between manufacturer’s specifications. The basis for these differences is explored and the results of recent water quality surveillance presented. It is concluded that the specifications are readily achievable and that gamma irradiation continues to be a safe and reliable technology.     

Guidant Corporation’s installation of the SureBeam® On-Site System

Titan Scan Corporation has introduced its second generation of electron beam sterilization systems with the installation of the self contained, SureBeam On-Site System at Guidant Corporation’s Temecula, California manufacturing facility. The system is designed exclusively for the sterilization of medical products and meets all USFDA, ISO and EN certification requirements. The system has been in operation since July 1998, and meets all design specifications.     

On-line monitoring of polymer deposition for tailoring the waveguide characteristics of love-wave biosensors

The Love-wave sensor is an acoustic sensing device which is particularly suitable for sensing in a liquid environment. The superior characteristics of the device are achieved by the use of an acoustic waveguide, consisting of a thin layer deposited on the surface of the substrate material. The exact thickness and material properties of the layer will not only determine sensitivity and sensing performance of the resulting device but can also be adjusted to generate higher-order Love modes. Thus, to obtain a sensing device with the desired specifications, precise control over the process of waveguide deposition is required. This has been realized by implementation of a vapor deposition polymerization system where the transmission curve (amplitude vs frequency) of one of the sensing devices is continuously monitored during deposition. As soon as the desired device specifications are reached, the deposition can be interrupted immediately. From the recorded transmission curves, information about the sensitivity of the device can be deduced, and the formation of higher-order Love modes can be visualized. The system has been used to produce biosensors based on various Love modes. It is shown that sensors operated on higher-order Love modes have a high mass sensitivity which, together with their excellent shielding properties, makes them advantageous for biosensing in conducting buffer solutions.     

Specification of Molecular Chirality

The topological analysis of chiral molecular models has provided the framework of a general system for the specification of their chirality. The application, made in and before 1956, of this system to organic-chemical configurations is generally retained, but is redefined with respect to certain types of structure, largely in the light of experience gained since 1956 in the Beilstein Institute and elsewhere. The system is now extended to deal, on the one hand, with organic-chemical conformations, and, on the other, with inorganic-chemical configurations to ligancy six. Matters arising in connexion with the transference of chiral specifications from model to name are considered, notably that of the symbiosis in nomenclature of expressions of the general system and of systems of confined scope. For corrigendum see DOI: 10.1002/anie.196605111     

The role of analytical testing in the quality system

Summary In view of the requirements to be fulfilled by chemical products for the purposes for which they are intended, it is essential to approach the planning, development and realisation of their quality in a systematic fashion. As the quality of a product cannot be created by testing, analytical testing takes on a central role within the quality system. It is an indispensable tool in every phase of product planning and product realisation, from the setting of specifications to procurement of raw materials and on to production, packaging, warehousing and transport.     

The BIOREMA project—part 1: Towards international comparability for biofuel analysis

There is an increasing demand to accurately measure the quality of biofuel products (e.g. biodiesel and bio-ethanol). This demand is driven in Europe by directives promoting the use of renewable sources of energy and worldwide by national and international legislation setting out quality requirements for these fuels. Until now, there has been no international consensus on the minimum technical specifications to ensure biofuel quality. Furthermore, it is unclear which reference materials and measurement techniques are needed to provide the quality assurance and quality control framework to underpin these legislative requirements. As part of the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme, the BIOREMA project (REference MAterials for BIOfuel specifications) demonstrated the feasibility of preparing biodiesel and bio-ethanol reference materials with reference values traceable to the international system of units for a range of parameters at levels relevant to technical specifications. However, the project concluded also that further research is needed to improve the current measurement capabilities for some parameters. Within the BIOREMA project, two global interlaboratory comparisons were carried out, using the biodiesel and bio-ethanol test materials prepared during the feasibility stage of the project, as well as two biodiesel standard reference materials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA). The exercises showed that the measurement capabilities of the field laboratories were in many cases satisfactory, whereas for other laboratories the availability and regular use of certified reference materials would likely enhance the measurement capabilities for many of the parameters studied. A general overview of the BIOREMA project is presented in this paper. The details of the production of the two types of BIOREMA reference materials, and the results of the interlaboratory comparison for the bio-ethanol and biodiesel study materials, are discussed in parts 2 and 3 of this series of papers.     

Strategies to set global analytical quality specifications in laboratory medicine: 10 years on from the Stockholm consensus conference

The setting of analytical quality specifications in laboratory medicine has attracted attention for many years. Over time, many strategies were advocated and all had advantages and disadvantages. In the final decade of the last millennium, considerable confusion existed on how to define analytical quality specifications correctly and how to apply them in everyday practice. This led to wide professional interest. In 1999, a consensus conference sponsored by IUPAC, IFCC and WHO was held in Stockholm on “Strategies to Set Global Analytical Quality Specifications in Laboratory Medicine”. The consensus set useful and well-documented strategies for the setting of analytical quality specifications into a hierarchy with the best strategy at the highest level, namely, (1) Evaluation of the effect of analytical performance on clinical outcomes in specific clinical situations, (2) Evaluation of the effect of analytical performance on clinical decisions in general, (3) Published professional recommendations, (4) Performance goals set by regulatory bodies and EQAS organisers, and (5) Goals based on the current state of the art. Much success has been achieved since the promulgation of the statement with the approach being adopted by many in laboratory medicine for a very wide variety of purposes, particularly in quality management. However, there is a requirement for additional investigation of, inter alia, quality specifications for examinations done on measurements performed on ordinal and nominal scales, pre-analytical factors and matrix effects, examinations done as POCT, target values of control materials, and ways in which analytical quality specifications can be used both to set what is the optimum performance and as a tool for assessment of everyday practice.     

Establishment of multivariate specifications for food commodities with discriminant partial least squares

A novel method for establishing multivariate specifications of food commodities is proposed. The specifications are established for discriminant partial least squares (DPLS) by setting limits on the predictions of the DPLS model together with Hotelling T² and square error of prediction (SPE). These limits can be tuned depending on whether type I error (i.e. a correct sample is declared out-of-specification) or type II error (i.e. an out-of-specification sample is declared within specifications) need to be minimized. The methodology is illustrated with a set of NIR spectra of Italian olive oils, corresponding to five regions and the class Liguria is the class of interest. The results demonstrate the possibility of establishing multivariate specification for olive oils from the Liguria region on the basis of spectral data obtaining type I and type II errors lower than 5%.     

Detectors and detection limits in INAA

Expressions have been derived which link detection limits in INAA with the Ge-detector specifications, provided by the vendors: relative efficiency, peak-to-Compton ratio and resolution. Situations have been distinguished in which a peak has to be detected on a Compton background, or on a natural background. The expressions allow for a direct indication of the improvement in detection limits, or the shortening of tumaround-time to attain equal detection limits, when a given detector is replaced by a detector with better specifications.     

Novel three-dimensional capillary electrophoresis system for complex and trace analysis

A novel triple column capillary electrophoresis system is described. Design specifications facilitate method development and analyses by providing on-line, selective, pre-concentration and clean-up of both high (ml) and low (microl) volumes of specific analytes in two dimensions and separation via an additional third dimension. The system described additionally provides four distinct detection capabilities via both contactless conductivity and UV. The addition of a third dimension to the previously reported "coupled-column" systems, and further modifications made, has allowed for optimal identification, separation, and quantitation of micro-components in complex mixtures. The ability to perform both capillary zone electrophoretic and isotachophoretic separations on-line and in any combination enhances the scope for rapid analytical method development and analysis of complex or trace sample components.     

Preparation of Carvedilol Nanoparticles by Emulsification Method and Optimization of Drug Release: Surface Response Design Versus Genetic Algorithm

The objectives of this research were the production of Eudragit nanoparticles of carvedilol, an anti-hypertension drug, for enhancement of its absorption and optimization of drug release. Nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification-solvent evaporation or diffusion methods. The statistical surface response design, based on the Box-Behnken model, was applied to evaluate the effect of four variables, each in two levels, on specifications of nanoparticles. An intelligent modeling system was established according to genetic algorithm to predict drug release from the nanoparticles. The neural network-genetic algorithm model showed a more precise method than surface response design in the prediction of the release properties of carvedilol from Eudragit nanoparticles.     

High performance liquid chromatographic evaluation of artemisinin,raw material in the synthesis of artesunate and artemether

A barrier to the development of artemisinin derivative based combination treatment of malaria is the lack of defined specifications and purity test methods for the raw material artemisinin. An HPLC method previously published in the International Pharmacopoeia to evaluate purity of artemisinin as an active pharmaceutical ingredient is adapted for use. Excellent method precision and linearity are demonstrated along with observations of robustness. In support of the development of specifications major impurities are identified using high resolution HPLC–MS, isolation via preparative HPLC followed by NMR. The identified impurities differ from those previously claimed.     

Quantitation of trace components in liquid process streams by direct liquid sampling mass spectrometry

This paper describes the development of a liquid sampling approach for trace analysis by electron impact ionization magnetic sector mass spectrometry, with no chromatographic separation. Development of a liquid sample introduction interface based on the principle of Programmable Temperature Vaporizing (PTV) GC injection is shown. A univariate procedure for the analysis of trace (mg kg(-1)) propanoic acid in acetic acid was developed. Results from the laboratory-based analysis of acetic acid are presented and compared with conventional GC analysis. The detection limit was 16 mg l(-1) and the speed of analysis was employed to acquire 30 scans per minute thus reducing the confidence intervals of the results and potentially allowing production plants to run much closer to sales specifications. For the analysis of more complex samples where the analytes contained no unique ions, multivariate analysis was employed and up to three scans per minute were acquired. Results from the analysis of an ester for six trace impurities are shown. Calibration was by partial least squares regression. The detection limits for these components were 20-30 mg kg(-1), well within the required product specifications. The system proved to be robust and easy to operate, with analyses being carried out over a period of several months requiring no maintenance of the spectrometer and only cleaning of the injection liner of the PTV injector on a monthly basis.     

Development of the analytical methods and reference materials program for dietary supplements at the National Institutes of Health

The need for validated analytical methods and reference materials to identify and measure constituents in dietary supplements is essential. Such methods allow for the documentation that products meet manufacturer's specifications and contain what their labels declare. In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule that would establish specific current good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements. This proposed rule requires that companies create a quality control unit to set specifications and ensure compliance with these specifications using scientifically valid procedures. This report provides insights and lessons learned from 3 meetings the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health helped organize. These meetings were structured to (1) educate individuals about the importance and need for validated analytical methods and reference materials to identify and quantify constituents of dietary supplements; (2) identify resources required to fulfill this need; and (3) serve as a platform to obtain input from interested parties to help frame the research agenda for the Dietary Supplements Methods and Reference Materials Program within ODS. Stakeholder's opinions and views expressed at these 3 meetings are outlined in this report.     

Whey protein concentrate production by continuous ultrafiltration: Operability under constant operating conditions

There is limited information available on quantifying the operability of continuous ultrafiltration plants used for the production of whey protein concentrates. Based on modelling of the process, the operability studies demonstrate that a standard 12 loop commercial ultrafiltration plant is able to produce the desired specifications of the concentrates. The studies also indicate that mid-run washing of the plant is necessary to reduce the effects of long-term membrane fouling. Although it becomes more difficult to achieve the desired product flowrate as protein concentration in the feed increases, proper knowledge of process variations makes it possible to compensate for the effects from fluctuations in whey composition in order to maintain the desired specifications of the concentrates.     

Development and applications of industrial process analyzers

Contacts between users and suppliers is essential to ensure cost-effectiveness of process analyzers. Technical consideration of in-line, on-line and off-line measurements as well as analytical procedures are needed for selection of the most appropriate system. Quantitative performance specifications are often set too high, resulting in a sophisticated analyzer with excessive investment and maintenance costs. Process parameters such as time constant, sampling point and environmental conditions must be considered. Rules for decision-making are reviewed; autocorrelation, cross-correlation, controllability and information theory are useful in making efficient decisions on appropriate analyzers. Examples related to sulphur dioxide in stack gas scrubbers, chlorine in water supplies and sodium in boiler feed water are discussed.     

Advances in HPGe Detectors for Real-World Applications

Germanium detector use and crystal production has progressed to such a degree that the IEEE standard for the performance of the detector is no longer adequate to predict the efficacy for a different situation. The specifications of the standard do not predict how a detector will perform at other energies or geometries. One such geometry that is poorly predicted is extended sources. Many parts of the detector and electronics that can be changed to make the total system perform better for a specific case, but such changes can worsen the performance of the detector at the IEEE specification. Examples will be given for the efficiency, MDA, throughput, and resolution for different source—detector and crystal configurations.     

Importance of the choice of assumptions and models in the estimation of analytical quality specifications

The validity of any model depends on its ability to imagine the situation or problem to which it is applied. Further, the assumptions made in relation to the model are determining for the actual outcome. Within the field of clinical biochemistry a lot of models for analytical quality specifications, based on a variety of concepts and ’clinical settings’, have been proposed. A hierarchical structure for application of these approaches and models has been agreed on at several occasions in 1999. In this hierarchy, the highest rank is given to evaluation of analytical quality specifications based on ’clinical settings’/’clinical outcome’ models, followed by specifications based on biological variation and on ’clinicians opinions’. This contribution, deals with the problems of combining random and systematic errors and the implications of application of different models to a variety of clinical settings. Received: 1 June, 2002 Accepted: 17 July 2002 Presented at the European Conference on Quality in the Spotlight in Medical Laboratories, 7–9 October 2001, Antwerp, Belgium