Statistical Concepts of Process Validation

The FDA QSR requires device manufacturers to validate processes when the manufacturer cannot "fully verify the output". The manufacturer must validate these processes with a "high degree of assurance".

The presentation illustrates the statistical concepts. The Global Harmonization Guidance document on process validation shows the application of statistical techniques. In particular, the guidance explains the use of design experiments (DOE) to establish process parameters and develop challenge points for the Operational Qualification (OQ) phase. The guidance explains the concepts of process capability showing the relationship between the process statistical characterization and the engineering specification transferred from design. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is an important technique in the Performance Qualification (PQ) phase of validation.

The presentation concludes by showing the strong relationship between validated processes and Risk Management. ISO 14971:2007 requires that production (and post-production) information go back to Risk Assessment to help complete the life cycle. Validated processes, where the manufacturer cannot fully verify the output, present a risk of product "escape". Statistical information of each lot from a validated process should be part of the Risk Management File.

Why You Should Attend:
If you conduct process validation, you need to ensure that your results are valid. Beyond the regulatory requirements, statistical approaches will help you achieve the desired result - processes that produce only conforming material. This is the essence of the statistical approach.

This webinar presents the statistical approach that will help you validate your processes. Your team should attend this webinar if you cannot easily answer these questions.

• Can you give the statistical rational for you verification sampling plans?
  
• Can you state the desired and actual process capability you need to achieve?
  
• Can you list the worst-case input parameter combination for your process?
  
• Do you know how to determine challenge points for your process?
  
• Have you set action limits for your process inputs?

• QMS Requirements for Process Validation
  • FDA’s QSR (21 CFR §820.75)
  • ISO 13485:2003
• The Statistical Process Model
  • Relating input to output
• The Process Output
  • Sampling Inspection
  • Process Capability
• The Process Input Parameters
  • Design of Experiments
  • The Challenge Points
• Risk Management
  • Production Information
  • Validated Processes as High Risk

• Quality Managers
• Quality Engineers
• Production Managers
• Production Supervisors
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Production Engineers
• Design Engineers
• Process Owners