Introduction In pharmaceutical manufacturing, line clearance is one of the most critical GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) activities. It ensures that no leftover materials, labels, or documents from the previous batch remain before starting a new batch. Effective line clearance prevents mix-ups, contamination, and regulatory non-compliance, making it a key step in ensuring patient safety and product quality. What is Line Clearance? Line Clearance is the systematic process of verifying that: The manufacturing or packaging area is free from previous batch materials Equipment is cleaned and ready for the next operation Documents and labels belong to the current batch 👉 In simple words: Line Clearance = Cleaning + Checking + Clearing (3C) The 3C Concept of Line Clearance 1️⃣ Clearing of Line This involves removing all materials from the previous batch, such as: Leftover labels Polybags and cartons Rejected tablets or capsules Batch documents 2️⃣ Cleaning of Line Cleaning ensures no...
Introduction In the pharmaceutical industry, when a deviation occurs, we cannot simply "fix and forget." Regulatory bodies like the USFDA and WHO demand that we find out why the failure happened at its deepest level. This process is called Root Cause Analysis (RCA). If your RCA is weak, your CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) will fail, leading to recurring deviations and potential FDA 483 warning letters. In this post, we explore the purpose, regulatory references, and top methods for effective RCA. Purpose of Root Cause Analysis The primary goal of RCA is to identify the underlying cause of a problem rather than just treating the visible symptoms. Prevent Recurrence: Ensuring the same error doesn't happen twice. Process Improvement: Identifying systemic weaknesses in manufacturing or quality. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the expectations of international health authorities. Patient Safety: Ensuring every batch of medicine meets the required purity and potency....