DO! • Include photos where possible. • Include documentation to provide evidence that corrective actions have been implemented. • Pay particular attention to observations that are noted as being repeated from previous inspections. If you have not remediated a previous observation, it may be that you did not understand what the FDA meant. Ask! If Read More
Blog
Design Control
Out of 99 Warning Letters issued to Medical Device companies in 2013 (up to July 3rd, 2013), 50 have contained observations relating to Design Control (21 CFR 820.30) deficiencies, with a total of 85 observations. The three subcategories that received the most attention are (f)Design Verification (12 observations, or 24% of the Medical Device related Read More
High frequency of CAPA related observations in warning letters
Globiox proactively monitors FDA inspection trends by reviewing and analyzing the contents of the Warning Letters. A current trend we detected is the high frequency of observations related to Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) in Warning Letters. Out of 43 Warning Letters issued to Medical Device companies (since March 22, 2013), 29 have contained observations relating Read More
Don’t let the user manual become the user
Over the years we have had many projects where users have asked us to qualify their laboratory equipment and validate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software. Sounds pretty straight forward, right? But when we look at the customer’s user requirements documents, we realized that they were derived from user manuals and specification sheets that manufacturers provide for Read More
Combined use diagnostic instruments and the FDA’s thoughts
The FDA has recently released a draft guidance entitled “Molecular Diagnostic Instruments with Combined Functions.” The recommendations display intent to mitigate interference in molecular diagnostic instruments with combined FDA approved device functions and functions in which FDA approval is not required, and furthermore prevent confusion for the end user. While following the guideline should serve Read More
What happens when you can’t test a test?
Test Method Validation (TMV) is a critical part of ensuring quality for manufacturing. This highly specific aspect of validation involves proving that quality testing procedures for a manufacturing process consistently provide accurate results. When a TMV fails, specific steps must be taken, in the proper order, to ensure the best remediation and damage control possible. Read More
Keeping up with the FDA
Quite a few companies in FDA regulated industries are experiencing “Dynamic Shock.” After handling their operations and quality assurance in the same manner for years, they are suddenly faced with severe findings on a 483, or are even issued a warning letter. Dynamic Shock stems from the constantly shifting nature of the industry and the Read More
Warning Letters: What they are, How we can help
As discussed in our previous post, “FDA 483: your company contains critical errors,” a company whose operations are not compliant with the regulations set out by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and related acts (The Act) is likely to face serious consequences from the FDA. Although there are exceptions in the case of Read More
FDA 483: Does your business contain critical errors?
In the aftermath of an FDA site inspection resulting in unsatisfactory findings, the company in question faces a difficult situation that must be addressed quickly to avoid serious consequences. If not properly addressed, negative observations made during an FDA visit can ultimately result in suspended operations, bad press, scrupulous monitoring of operations, recall of products, Read More