- IQOQ and PQ: an introduction to these processes, essential to confirming the reliability and accuracy of your laboratory instruments
- Installation Qualification (IQ): the first step in introducing a new instrument to your facility, ensuring that it is installed correctly and meets specified requirements
- Operational Qualification (OQ): confirming that the instrument operates according to its specifications
- Performance Qualification (PQ): establishing that the instrument performs consistently and reliably under real-world conditions
- The importance of IQOQ and PQ: why these qualification processes are crucial for maintaining your high standards of environmental monitoring
IQOQ and PQ
IQOQ and PQ processes are crucial for maintaining the integrity of environmental monitoring. In this post, I’ll explain Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ), why they’re essential to confirming the reliability and accuracy of your laboratory instruments, and in turn ensuring the safety and efficiency of your operations. You can also view our video which explains IQOQ and PQ:
Installation Qualification (IQ)
Installation Qualification is the first step when introducing a new instrument to your facility. The IQ process determines that equipment is installed correctly and meets all the specified requirements.
When introducing a new product, such as one of our SAS air samplers, you would establish that you’ve received the correct model and verify its functionality, for example that the unit’s battery charges properly when connected to a power source.
The IQ process involves checking all specifications and documenting that the instrument is set up correctly.
Operational Qualification (OQ)
OQ tests confirm that the instrument operates according to its specified functions.
For an air sampler, the OQ procedure might start by activating the unit and confirming that it draws in air as expected. Further checks include adjusting sampling time and verifying these changes with a stopwatch.
Having confirmed the instrument performs as intended, it moves to the Performance Qualification stage.
Performance Qualification (PQ)
Performance Qualification confirms that the instrument you’ve introduced performs consistently and reliably under real-world conditions.
Continuing with the air sampler case study, PQ would begin by placing Redipor® Petri dishes or contact plates into the sampler head and taking air samples. After the incubation period, the plate is examined for a consistent and even pattern of dimples.
Any inconsistencies in the pattern or changes in the agar plate would indicate a failure of PQ. If the samples are as expected, however, then the PQ phase is passed. Only when IQOQ and PQ are passed successfully can a unit be used with confidence.
Why IQ, OQ, and PQ are essential
These qualifications confirm that your instruments are installed correctly, operate as specified, and perform reliably. This rigorous validation process helps maintain the high standards in your laboratory, ensuring accurate and dependable results.
However, it’s important to note that the examples given above do not cover the entire scope of the extensive IQOQ and PQ requirements for air samplers. We also recommend annual calibration of SAS air samplers to ensure their optimum performance and reliability. As with any precision instrument, failure to perform calibration and servicing to the appropriate schedule can compromise accuracy. Our team of engineers is ready and waiting to service and calibrate your air samplers so you can enjoy complete confidence that your environment is being monitored effectively.
At Cherwell, we're dedicated to providing high-quality products and expertise in environmental monitoring. Our commitment to excellence means we’re focused on making sure your laboratory instruments and prepared media perform reliably, and meet all the standards and levels of quality you expect.
Explore Cherwell’s website and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up to date with developments and insights such as our Delivering Knowledge initiative. We're here to support all your environmental monitoring needs with comprehensive solutions and expert guidance, so if you’d like any further information on any of our products, such as our SAS air samplers or bespoke Redipor prepared media, don’t hesitate to contact our team.