OQ & PQ protocols development for medical device two-level process validation.

Medical device industry encompasses a wide range of technologies and applications, which makes the process validation approach (IQ/OQ/PQ framework) and OQ/PQ implementation method difficult to be defined in the industry's regulation and process validation guidance documents. Based on two-level (component production level and device assembly level) process validation approach, this article proposes 1) a typical section structure & contents for production equipment/system/process validation OQ/PQ protocols, 2) a typical subsection structure & contents for the protocols' most critical section - Test Plan, and 3) the validation approach and OQ Detailed Test Plan for both common equipment and test equipment.

Two-level process validation approach for medical devices.

Medical device industry encompasses a wide range of technologies and applications. Due to the diversity, medical device process validation guidance does not suggest a particular strategy and approach of validation implementation as that of pharmaceutical industry. Based on medical device manufacturing characteristics, and philosophies/principles of medical device/pharmaceutical industry process validation guidance documents, this article illustrates two-level process validation approach which includes component production level and device assembly level. In addition, case study is provided to facilitate the understanding of how to utilise the process validation approach.