Effective Good Laboratory Practices Covid19

GLP or Good Laboratory Practice is an international standard to guarantee the quality, consistency and reliability of data generated and accumulated through laboratory studies.

GLP embodies a set of principles (OECD, FDA, EPA, ISO) providing a framework within which laboratory studies are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived. Principles of GLP intend to promote the quality and validity of test data generated in laboratories.

This webinar will show the importance of addressing the GLP requirements – especially addressing requirements related to COVID-19 management.

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Effective Good Laboratory Practices in the context of Covid-19

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    Q&A SESSION

    Like archival of data, are there any specific guidelines for data retrieval?

    Organizations have procedures for archival and retrieval of both paper and electronic documents; however, no specific guideline. Refer to OECD Series on Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Compliance Monitoring; Number 15: Establishment and Control of Archives that Operate in Compliance with the Principles of GLP and 21 CFR part 58 where relevant information related to retrieval have been indicated.

    Please highlight on BSL 4 lab.

    BSL4 are highly regulated labs, since they handle agents that might be aerosol transmitted and can cause severe to fatal disease in humans for which there are no available vaccines and treatments.

    How do you trace a person with infection in incubation stage and if he started working in the lab unknowingly? How contact tracking is done in GLP?    

    Organizations have procedures in place for:

    • Self declaration (they can show if they are primary /secondary contact)
    • Check temperature / oximeter twice a day
    • Restrict employees within the GLP area (employees come in shift / alternate day and so on) so that there are less numb of people
    • If they are +ve, then contact tracing is enabled by the organization
    • Home quarantine / institution quarantine, as relevant

    If we are conducting studies as per OECD GLP, should we still follow 21 CFR part 58?

    Though OECD and 21 CFR part 58 have similarities, requirements of Part 58 should be followed (besides that of OECD GLP) if studies are being submitted to USFDA.

    What impact has the pandemic have on the study that was started at the cusp of the pandemic?

    Because of the pandemic, there could be instances of deviations from the study protocol, change in study director and so on. Document all deviations in COVID-19 viz., delay in calibration, study related procedures, etc.

    Is GLP not applicable for clinical labs?

    GLP is for pre-clinical (or non-clinical) studies related to animals and clinical studies are related to humans. For clinical labs (in India), ISO 15189 (as per NABL) requirements have to be addressed. Bioanalytical labs which analyze samples of animal origin have to address OECD requirements.

    Is it required to test all drugs in pregnant women all the time?

    No drugs are tested on pregnant women because of ethical considerations.

    Is implementation of GLP in the lab mandatory or voluntary?

    It is mandatory if pre-clinical studies (or non-clinical) are being conducted in the lab.

    Does GLP cover any specific details relating to the construction of the laboratory? For example space planning, materials to be used for construction, operation safety standards, etc.

    Please refer to the document – OECD GLP principles of GLP for more information; also, industry and national standards are taken into considerations while designing the infrastructure. Refer here.

    Can you please brief about GLP in medical devices?

    Though this requires a separate discussion based on the Medical Devices that you are referring, following can be considered:

    Recommendations for GLP/non-GLP conduct of device regulatory studies.

    Study Type GLP, non GLP, or GMP
    Biocompatibility (both in-vivo and in-vitro) GLP
    Validation Studies (sterilization validations, reusable device cleaning validations) GLP (most likely) not needed
    Exploratory Studies GLP not needed (non GLP)
    Chemical Characterization Studies (such as ISO 10993-18 Chemical Characterization) GLP (most likely) not needed
    Routine Lot Testing (bioburden, endotoxin, sterility) Conduct according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)

    Refer: https://pacificbiolabs.com/glp-medical-device

    What is the expiry date of analyst certification?

    Depending on the analysis, organizations conduct it annually or once in six months (or even quarterly). They also participate in Proficiency testing in accredited labs (and the frequency varies).

    How to decontaminate before disposal?

    Decontamination procedures vary depending on the material to be disposed. The material should be deactivated (chemical / microbe / biological sample) prior to disposal.

    What is the difference between GLP and ISO 17025?

    GLP is a standard for conducting non-clinical studies; whereas ISO 17025 is an international standard  for calibration and testing laboratories across industries (viz. mechanical, chemical, etc) and is governed by National Accredited Board of Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL, India). There are similarities and differences – refer here.

    Is it compulsory that all equipment in the lab requires qualification? Or is there a specific category?

    Laboratories involved in the drug development process wherein the data generated is submitted for regulatory submissions should have qualified equipment and instrument.

    How can we monitor the seepage of bio contaminants to the environment, especially during the pandemic?            

    Effective containment procedures and practices should be in place, which enables the control of seepage – viz. containers used should be integral (leak proof) and so on; personnel handling it should be well trained.

    Are there any regulatory requirements for maintaining electronic data?             

    USFDA – 21 CFR Part 11 Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures – Scope and Application; EU – Annex 11: Computerised Systems.

    In Covid Case, is air quality essential within lab space? 

    Air quality is essential in lab space as a norm – there should be more cleaning and sanitation, during the COVID-19, of air filters.

    Are there guidelines for lab furniture selection?             

    There are guidelines for the building and facilities in regulations, the same is used as guidelines during the selection process (based on the activity being done). There are industry benchmarks and practices that are considered.

    How different is 21 CFR part 58 from OECD GLP?            

    21 CFR part 58 is a USFDA regulation; OECD GLP is an international standard which is adopted and monitored by the regulators across the world. For detailed differences refer here.

    How can we ensure the environment is safe during exhaust from COVID lab?      

    Virus doesn’t survive in air for a long time and at higher temperatures. So, the exhaust air can be heated up to ensure that viruses are inactivated.

    Is HVAC a must in Covid Lab? Can they use recycle air? 

    Yes, HVAC is required. The minimum lab set up has to meet BSL 2 criteria. Air can be recirculated with at least 30% exhaust and exhaust from BSL cabinet.

    Do we need to have any regulatory compliance for software developed for such labs?         

    Software must meet the requirements of USFDA – 21 CFR Part 11 Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures – Scope and Application; EU – Annex 11: Computerised Systems.

    What is the sigma level required for operations and the % of sampling required to determine sigma level?       

    This is based on the laboratory operations and the overall management directive. Samples are received at the laboratory (GLP lab personnel are not involved in sampling).

    Could you specify BSL 3 requirements of a QC lab?

    Refer here.

    I am a researcher in a research institution. Should I conduct animal studies under GLP?       

    Animal studies from which data generated is submitted for regulatory submissions should be conducted under GLP.

    Are there any specific guidelines for new mothers who have resumed back to work during the pandemic?

    Per the Government and Organization norms.

    In case of archival, there is a high possibility that the product may not come under the purview of regulators in the long run. In such cases, how long do we need to archive documents?             

    Depends on the research being done. If it is required for any regulatory submission / patent / client requirement, then those requirements for archival / storage have to be considered.

    Does a training lab also require certification?    

    Training lab may not require GLP certification. But, if the lab intends to handle non-clinical samples, this has to be re-looked into – taking into ethical considerations.

    If a research institution doesn’t have GLP facilities, where can we conduct the GLP studies?            

    Studies can be done in GLP certified CRO (Contract Research Laboratories), the list is published by the National GLP Compliance Authorities of the country. Refer here.

    Is it possible to get an exemption from specific provisions of the GLPs for special nonclinical?

    Depends on the requirement and based on the decision of the National GLP Compliance Authorities of the country.

    Does a training lab also require certification?    

    Training lab may not require GLP certification. But, if the lab intends to handle non-clinical samples, this has to be re-looked into – taking into ethical considerations.

    Even if the equipment has not been used to the maximum extent, would a calibration be necessary? Or can it be postponed if it is documented?

    In case the calibration has not been done, a deviation has to be taken as per Quality management Systems, risk assessment (including review of previous calibration records, etc) to be done and then calibration to be undertaken. Instruments not in calibration may produce faulty results.

    I understand we need to follow GLP for labs. Do we need any certification for the labs?     

    GLP certification is for laboratories conducting non-clincial studies.

    Disclaimer: This is a guest post. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Kewaunee, who shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies presented.

    Lakshmi is a quality and compliance professional with 27+ years of experience. Her expertise is in implementing, integrating, and auditing multiple standards in disparate management systems. Her work experience covers biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, clinical research (CRO), contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) industries.

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