Standard Operating Procedure for Inspection and Handling of Polished Tablets

Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a standardized and meticulous method for the inspection and handling of polished tablets. The inspection step is a critical aspect of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, as it ensures that the polished tablets meet the required quality standards and specifications before being released for packaging and distribution. By following this SOP, we can ensure that only tablets of the highest quality are further processed, enhancing customer satisfaction and upholding our commitment to delivering safe and effective pharmaceutical products.

Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the inspection and handling of polished tablets at [Pharmaceutical Company Name]. It covers tablets polished using various polishing equipment, including rotary tablet polishers and single-punch tablet polishers. The SOP outlines the step-by-step procedure to be followed and the necessary documentation to be maintained to ensure that the tablets are inspected accurately and handled appropriately throughout the process.

Responsibilities

The successful execution of this SOP requires clear responsibilities assigned to the following personnel:

• Quality Assurance Department: Responsible for developing, reviewing, and approving this SOP. They shall also conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance and the effectiveness of the tablet inspection and handling process.
• Quality Control Team: Responsible for conducting inspections on polished tablets, verifying their compliance with quality standards, and conducting relevant quality checks.
• Production Operators: Responsible for handling the polished tablets during the inspection process and ensuring proper documentation of inspection results.
• Packaging and Distribution Team: Responsible for handling the approved polished tablets for further processing, packaging, and distribution.

Procedure

The following step-by-step procedure must be followed for the Inspection and Handling of Polished Tablets:

1. Preparation:
   • Ensure that the polished tablets have undergone the required polishing process and are ready for inspection.
   • Set up the inspection area in a well-lit, clean, and controlled environment to facilitate accurate inspections.
   • Review the quality control specifications and criteria to be used during the inspection process.
2. Tablet Inspection:
   • Carefully handle the polished tablets to avoid any damage or contamination during the inspection process.
   • Inspect the tablets visually for any defects, including cracks, chips, discolorations, or irregularities in shape.
   • Verify the tablet dimensions and thickness to ensure they meet the specified requirements.
   • If any tablets are found with defects or deviations, segregate them appropriately for further investigation.
3. Sampling:
   • Conduct a representative sampling of the polished tablets to ensure a thorough inspection of the entire batch.
   • Ensure that the sampling procedure follows the company’s sampling plan and is documented accordingly.
   • Inspect each sampled tablet meticulously, recording the inspection results accurately.
4. Inspection Approval:
   • Review the inspection results to ensure that all quality standards and specifications have been met.
   • If the inspection results meet the required criteria, approve the batch for further processing and packaging.
   • Document the inspection approval and ensure proper record-keeping of all inspection data.
5. Handling and Storage:
   • Handle the approved polished tablets with care to prevent any damage or contamination.
   • Transfer the approved tablets to the designated packaging area for further processing.
   • Store any rejected tablets in appropriate containers, clearly labeled for further investigation or disposal.

Abbreviations

No abbreviations are used in this SOP.

Documents

The following documents are referenced in this SOP:

• Quality Control Specifications and Criteria
• Sampling Plan
• Inspection Records

Reference

No external references are used in this SOP.

SOP Version

This is version 1.0 of the SOP for Inspection and Handling of Polished Tablets, issued on [Date of Issue].