by
GaryR » Tue May 27, 2014 9:20 pm
If you are operating in a regulated environment, as noted, you should have a standard operating procedure (SOP) describing the steps necessary to commission and validate (verify) new equipment and to show ongoing performance verification.
IQ: Installation Qualification. (Usually) performed by the Vendor to their specifications to show that the instrument is installed correctly, i.e. correct power supply, ventilation, services, instrument control etc.
OQ: Operational Qualification. (Usually) performed by the Vendor to show that the instrument will operate correctly to the Vendor's performance specifications. MUST be preceded by IQ (if the instrument is not installed properly, how can you test if it is operating properly?)
PQ: Performance Qualification. (Also call 'calibration' or 'verification') (Usually) performed by the owner/operator to a set schedule, or if the instrument is moved or serviced. Frequency should be determined by risk assessment (high risk = high frequency; low risk = lower frequency). Procedure (SOP) usually based on the Vendor OQ procedure to show that the instrument is continuing to operate as designed.
If the instrument fails to meet the acceptance criteria at any stage, the problem must be rectified and the test repeated. Every stage needs to be fully documented, checked and approved prior to proceeding to the next stage.