FDA Refines Its Understanding And Validation Within The Contexts Of Process Validation Terminology

The FDA has refined its understanding and validation for product, software and processes used for medical production. Protomatic demonstrates its method for adopting the four protocol: design qualification (DQ), installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ).

Dexter, MI (PRWEB) - The methods used to create a stable manufacturing process are based on multiple industrial requirements. When used for medical production, the process origin methods are standardized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 21 CFR 11, 210/211, 820, ICH Q7 - Good Manufacturing Practice Handbook.

Both the FDA and regulated industry have refined their understanding and validation within the contexts of process validation terminology. The result is that the FDA has created validation guidance for product, software and processes. The approved terminology is based on four protocol: design qualification (DQ), installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ). As an example, Protomatic, a medical and aerospace parts manufacturer located in Dexter, Michigan, uses a method based on these four protocol to create a stable manufacturing process.

DQ - Design Qualification of CNC Equipment 
This protocol sets the stage and defines the Good Manufacturing Practices required to meet regulations. It also defines functional specifications, safe operation of equipment, and aspects of installation and equipment maintenance. This is critical to product success because selection and capability of the equipment is crucial to product quality.

IQ - Installation Qualification of CNC Equipment 
In this phase of qualification, Protomatic utilizes the manufacturer’s recommendations for the installation of the machine tool. They also employ the manufacturer’s service technicians to perform equipment installation including: general machine assembly, electrical service, air supply, lubricant verification, environmental checks and machine levelness. Once installed, a full functional check is used to test machine specifications. This process is the same for new and used equipment. Performance data is then recorded and a machine baseline established.

OQ - Operational Qualification 
Operational Qualification objectives are to confirm equipment functionality, safety to staff and to the product. Protomatic confirms functionality with Ball Bar Verification utilizing Renishaw QC20-W Ball Bar test. This allows very accurate confirmation of the CNC machine’s operational performance and I/O performance by measuring positional performance.

PQ - Performance Qualifications 
Performance qualification of mechanical parts is typically 100% specified by the customer, and the parts are directly measurable. Part processes are documented and controlled with a control plan. Risk Impact Assessment in the form of a Process Failure Effect Mode Analysis (PFEMA) is also critical in creating a consistently high quality product. While performance qualification of mechanical parts is critical, equipment is the main focus in the Performance Qualification. This protocol looks at the acceptance criteria for conditions such as power failure, software controls (Program Data Manager), maintenance, and trend analysis of equipment performance testing (QC20-W).

Is this only for the medical industry? 
Although this overview centers on a medical format, the process is very similar for automotive, aerospace and other industrial applications. It can be adapted easily for other industry-specific requirements.

Click these links to learn more about Protomatic and their dedication to Life-Saving Precision, or to download information on improving processes to optimize product quality. An informative video on the testing capability of the CQ20-W ball bar system is also available.

Protomatic specializes in “Life-Saving Precision”. The company resides in a 30,000 square-foot facility at 2125 Bishop Circle West in Dexter, Mich. Their areas of expertise include prototype machining and custom short-run precision CNC milling and turning. In addition to those services, Protomatic will customize, produce and assemble parts and systems for numerous industries and jobs. Industries served include medical, aerospace, automotive, military, and several other markets.