SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Checking Material Identity Using FTIR or Raman Spectroscopy – V 2.0

SOP for Checking Material Identity Using FTIR or Raman Spectroscopy – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Checking Material Identity Using FTIR or Raman Spectroscopy

Department Quality Control / Quality Assurance / Warehouse
SOP No. SOP/RM/050/2025
Supersedes SOP/RM/050/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 15
Issue Date 01/02/2025
Effective Date 05/02/2025
Review Date 01/02/2026

1. Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedure for verifying the identity of raw materials using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy. It ensures accurate, reliable, and compliant identification of materials in accordance with regulatory requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all raw materials received, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and solvents, which require identity verification using FTIR or Raman Spectroscopy prior to approval for use in production.

3. Responsibilities

  • Quality Control (QC) Team: Perform FTIR/Raman analysis, document results, and ensure instruments are calibrated and maintained.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): Review test results, ensure compliance with specifications, and approve or reject materials.
  • Warehouse Personnel: Ensure proper labeling and segregation of materials pending identity verification.

4. Accountability

The QC Manager is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the FTIR/Raman analysis process. The QA Manager holds the authority to

approve or reject materials based on test results. The Warehouse Manager ensures proper handling and segregation of materials awaiting verification.

5. Procedure

5.1 Pre-Analysis Preparations

  1. Instrument Calibration:
    • Ensure FTIR and Raman spectrometers are calibrated as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
    • Document calibration details in the Instrument Calibration Log (Annexure-1).
  2. Sample Preparation:
    • Collect samples from the designated quarantine area following standard sampling procedures.
    • Prepare samples in accordance with the specific requirements of FTIR or Raman analysis (e.g., pellet formation for FTIR, vial preparation for Raman).

5.2 Performing FTIR/Raman Analysis

  1. FTIR Analysis Procedure:
    • Place the sample in the sample holder or form a pellet using KBr (if applicable).
    • Run the FTIR scan from 4000 to 400 cm-1.
    • Compare the obtained spectrum with the reference spectrum in the database.
    • Document the analysis results in the FTIR Analysis Log (Annexure-2).
  2. Raman Analysis Procedure:
    • Place the sample in the Raman spectrometer.
    • Select appropriate laser settings (e.g., 785 nm or 532 nm) based on the material’s characteristics.
    • Run the Raman scan and compare the spectrum to the reference library.
    • Document the analysis results in the Raman Analysis Log (Annexure-3).

5.3 Data Interpretation and Verification

  1. Comparison with Reference Standards:
    • Compare the sample spectra to the reference spectra to ensure a match within the acceptable spectral correlation limits (typically ≥ 90%).
    • Record any deviations or inconsistencies.
  2. Documentation of Results:
    • Complete the Identity Verification Report (Annexure-4) for each material tested.
    • Submit the report to QA for review and final approval.

5.4 Approval and Material Disposition

  1. QA Review and Approval:
    • QA reviews the FTIR/Raman test results and compares them with the material specifications.
    • Approve materials that meet the identity verification criteria, moving them to the approved storage area.
    • Reject materials with discrepancies and move them to the rejection area. Document disposition in the Material Disposition Log (Annexure-5).

5.5 Handling Non-Conforming Results

  1. Identification of Non-Conforming Materials:
    • Document non-conforming results in the Non-Conformance Report (Annexure-6).
    • Quarantine non-conforming materials and notify Procurement and QA for further investigation.
  2. Corrective Actions:
    • Procurement contacts the supplier for clarification or replacement.
    • QA initiates an investigation into the root cause of the discrepancy.

6. Abbreviations

  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
  • FTIR: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
  • GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • QC: Quality Control
  • KBr: Potassium Bromide

7. Documents

  1. Instrument Calibration Log (Annexure-1)
  2. FTIR Analysis Log (Annexure-2)
  3. Raman Analysis Log (Annexure-3)
  4. Identity Verification Report (Annexure-4)
  5. Material Disposition Log (Annexure-5)
  6. Non-Conformance Report (Annexure-6)

8. References

  • 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
  • ICH Q2(R1) – Validation of Analytical Procedures
  • USP <941> – Identity Tests—Infrared Spectroscopy

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation
Department

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Instrument Calibration Log

Date Instrument Calibration Standard Used Calibration Result Calibrated By Remarks
01/02/2025 FTIR Spectrometer Polystyrene Film Pass John Doe Instrument Ready for Use
01/02/2025 Raman Spectrometer Silicon Wafer Pass Jane Smith Instrument Calibrated

Annexure-2: FTIR Analysis Log

Date Material Name Batch Number Sample ID Spectral Match (%) Result Analyzed By
02/02/2025 API-X X-2025-001 SAMP-001 98% Pass Mark Lee
02/02/2025 Excipient-Y Y-2025-002 SAMP-002 85% Fail Anna White

Annexure-3: Raman Analysis Log

Date Material Name Batch Number Sample ID Spectral Match (%) Result Analyzed By
02/02/2025 API-Z Z-2025-003 SAMP-003 95% Pass John Doe

Annexure-4: Identity Verification Report

Date Material Name Batch Number Test Method Result QA Review Remarks
03/02/2025 API-X X-2025-001 FTIR Pass Approved Material Meets Specifications
03/02/2025 Excipient-Y Y-2025-002 FTIR Fail Rejected Spectral Match Below Threshold

Annexure-5: Material Disposition Log

Date Material Name Batch Number Disposition Approved By Remarks
04/02/2025 API-X X-2025-001 Approved QA Manager Meets Specifications
04/02/2025 Excipient-Y Y-2025-002 Rejected QA Manager Failed Identity Verification

Annexure-6: Non-Conformance Report

Date Material Name Batch Number Non-Conformance Description Corrective Action Status
03/02/2025 Excipient-Y Y-2025-002 Failed FTIR Identity Test Supplier Notified, Material Returned Closed

Revision History:

Revision Date Revision No. Revision Details Reason for Revision Approved By
01/01/2024 1.0 Initial Version New SOP QA Head
01/02/2025 2.0 Added Raman Spectroscopy Procedure Standardization QA Head
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