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This SOP sets out guidelines for the determination and validation of in-process and
bulk product holding times.

Maximum allowable hold times should be established for bulk and in-process drug
products (where applicable). Typically, one lot can be used for validating hold times. Data to
justify the hold time can be collected during development on pilot scale batches, during
process validation, via a historical review of batch data, or as part of a deviation with
proper testing.

OBJECTIVE

To lay down a procedure for Hold Time Study of intermediate products, bulk and
finished products to establish acceptable holding time that intermediate and bulk product
can be held, pending the next processing step, without producing results outside the
acceptance criteria for the quality of the material.

SCOPE

This procedure is applicable to Validation Department for performing hold time study during
manufacturing of products (raw material, bulk and ready to pack) in company premises. The
other concerned department is Production, Warehouse and Quality Control.

RESPONSIBILITY

• Validation Officer/Executive QA shall be responsible for preparation of a protocol and

execution of studies as per approved protocol and compile the report as per results
of analysis.
• Officer/Executive Production shall be responsible for execution of studies as
per approved protocol.
• Head Production/ Designee shall be responsible for checking the protocol.
• Chemist QC shall be responsible for testing of the material as per specification.
• Head QC/ Designee shall be responsible for review of protocol and report.
• QA Manager/ Designee shall be responsible for review of protocol and rep ort.
• Head QA shall be responsible for final approval of protocol and report.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• All concerned department heads

• Head QA

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PROCEDURE

• Hold time studies establish the time limits for holding the materials at different stages
of production to ensure that the quality of the product does not deteriorate
significantly during the hold time.
• Hold time study shall be conducted to demonstrate that the bulk products and
intermediates. Retain the appropriate quality before processing to the next
stage. Meet the acceptance criteria and release specification for the finished products
• Starting point of Hold Time shall be considered from the completion date of each
processing step/stage. Material shall be stored in same condition as given in the
respective BMR.
• All critical operation and process parameter that would affect the product quality
along with room condition during hold time shall be monitored and recorded
or attached during the entire hold period.
• The containers in which hold time samples shall be stored should be same pack as
shall be used in production. All in process stages shall be monitored for hold time.
Manufacturing stage along with sampling intervals and tests to be carried out for hold
time study.
• Hold time shall be conducted when, but not limited to:

1. Introduction of new product

2. As part of the investigation of a deviation that occur during manufacturing
3. Any significant changes in process or formulation
4. Change in storage condition.
5. Change in formulation. For example addition or deletion of ingredient.
6. Change in manufacturing process. For example, change in granulation method.

• For new product, establishment of hold time of bulk finished stages shall be based on
its product characteristics.
• Sampling at different intervals of hold time shall be done in manufacturing cubicle
having status as “CLEANED”. If it is done in storage area, it shall be under the LAF and
to be ensured that all other containers are in closed condition.
• A written protocol shall be prepared which includes the activities to be performed,
test parameters and acceptance criteria appropriate to the material or product under
test.
• The Hold time study protocol shall be prepared by Validation Officer, reviewed by
Head Production & Head QC and then approved by Head QA.
• Protocol for Hold time study shall have the unique protocol no.

• Hold time study shall be conducted on one batch and if not justified can be extended
to other batches.
• After completion of the hold time study a report shall be prepared and documented.

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• The Hold time study report shall be prepared by Validation Officer, reviewed by Head
Production & Head QC, and then approved by Head QA.
• Hold time study report shall have the unique report no.
• Head space is important the hold time samples should represent the maximum
possible head space (worst-case scenario) to bulk stored in
manufacturing/quarantine.
• The sample storage environmental conditions should be same as that of the
quarantine area / manufacture stage.
• Batches of finished products made from intermediates or bulk products and
subjected to a hold time study should be considered for long term stability testing.

Storage procedure for Hold Time Study Samples

Dispensed Raw Material:

• Shall not be stored for more than 5 days at controlled conditions in well closed SS
container with status label. If the storage period exceeds, reweighing of material shall
be done before use either in store or production area depending upon the quantity
of material.

Heat sensitive product or Cold Chain Product:

• Shall be stored at 2°C - 8°C along with the remaining consignment.

Sifted Raw Material:

• For granulation / blending / lubrication shall be stored in well closed IPC/SS container
containing double polythene bag, for not more than 7 days. If the storage period
exceeds, sifting of material with appropriate mesh size shall be done before use and
the same shall be recorded in respective BMR with sign and date.

Binder Solution:

• Freshly prepared binder solution shall be used for manufacturing the batch. The
binder shall be stored in well closed SS container/IPCs after preparation. Starch
binder solution shall be used within 5 hours and other binder within 8 hours.
• If the storage period exceeds, the binder solution shall be discarded. If composition
of binder is same for different product or multiple strength of same product, then
perform hold time study of binder in any one product or strength. This study shall be
valid for rest of the strength or product.

Sized Granules:

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• The granules after sizing shall be stored for not more than 45 days in a clean and dry
IPC/ SS bin / SS container containing double polythene bag. If the storage period
exceeds, then LOD / Water Content shall be verified before start activity and same
shall be attached with respective BMR.

Lubricated Granules:

• Lubricated granules shall be stored in controlled condition for not more than 45 days
in well closed SS container/IPC with status label. For blend of individual strength
product, which are not dose proportional perform hold time study.
• For blend of multiple strength product, which are dose proportional perform hold
time study for blend on lower strength.

Uncoated / Compressed Tablets (as a in-process stage for coated tablets):

• Compressed tablets ready for coating shall be coated within 90 days.

• For compressed tablets of different strengths, which are dose proportional perform
hold time study on higher strength.
• If multiple strengths of compressed tablets that are not dose proportional, then
perform hold time for each strength.
• If multiple strengths of compressed tablets are not dose proportional, but having
same composition then hold time study of llower and higher strength shall be
performed.
• Hold time study is not required to perform on the tablets if there is change in
description of tablets related to debossing without any alteration in the physical
parameters of tablets like average weight, hardness, thickness etc.

Coating Solution:

• Freshly prepared coating solution shall be used for manufacturing the batch.
• Solution shall be agitated/ stirred continuously before using.
• Coating solution shall be used within 72 hours. If storage period exceeds, discard the
coating solution and use freshly prepared coating solution.
• If composition (coating material, vehicle) of coating solution of different products or
multiple strengths of same product is same then perform hold time study of coating
solution of any one product / strength of product. This study shall be valid for rest of
all strengths/products.
• If coating suspension is different for multiple strengths or different products, the hold
time study of coating solution shall be for individual strength/ products.

Coated Tablets:

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• For coated tablets of different strengths, which are dose proportional, and having
same composition of coating solution (coating material and vehicle) then perform
hold time study of coated tablets on higher strength.
• If the multiple strength for coated tablets has different composition of coating
solution (coating material and vehicle) then hold time study shall be performed for
coated tablet of each strength.
• If the multiple strength of coated tablets are
• not dose proportional but having same composition, then hold time study shall be
performed on lower and higher strength.

Blend for Capsules:

• Blend for capsule shall be stored at appropriate condition for not more than 45 days
in a well closed IPC/SS container containing double polythene bags with status label.

Liquid Oral:

• Liquid Oral shall be stored at appropriate condition for not more than 7 days in a well
closed SS container with status label.

Ointment/Gel/Cream:

• Shall be stored at appropriate condition for not more than 72 hours in a well closed
SS container with status label.

Sampling procedure for Hold Time Study Samples

• Use cleaned accessories during sampling.

• Use PPEs during sampling.
• While sampling in the area, ensure that all stainless steel containers are closed except
from which sample to be withdrawn.
• After sampling close the polythene bag taking proper precaution to avoid
contamination.
• For sampling of microbiological test sample:

1. Use sterile accessories (spatula/ spoon) during sampling.

2. Wear sterile hand gloves while sampling.
3. Remove Aluminium wrapper of sampling accessories such as spatula/ spoon or
bottle/polythene bag.
4. After sampling close the sterile polythene bag/ bottle taking proper precaution to
avoid contamination.

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• “0” day sampling shall be done in respective area after completion of activity.
• Hold time sample for bulk Blend / Granules / Powder shall be stored in simulated
container in Granules quarantine and record shall be updated accordingly.
• Sampling of Blend/Granules/Powder shall be done in Blending area after taking the
line clearance in coordination of production chemist / section In-charge.
• After sampling details shall be updated in status label and routine area cleaning shall
be done by production chemist and record shall be updated in process area log.
• Sampling for chemical and microbiological examination shall be done separately.
• Sample for Core/Coated tablets and filled capsules shall be packed in double sample
polythene bag, each bag shall have the sample quantity packet separately for one
time compete chemical and microbial analysis.
• Such sample poly bog shall be prepared equivalent to number of testing station and
sample for two additional testing stations.
• These packets shall be kept in HDP container and record shall be updated
accordingly. At sampling interval one complete packet shall be taken & handed over
to QC for Chemical and microbial analysis.

• Hold time sample for bulk oral Liquid shall be stored in simulated container in IPQA
room.
• QA shall hand over the sample for analysis to QC.
• QC shall do the analysis as per approved testing procedure following current version
of SOPs.
• Any deviation occurred during handling of sample shall be handled through SOP for
“Deviation Control”.
• Any out of specification results shall be handled through SOP for OOS.
• Approved analytical procedure shall be used for analysis of product.
• After compilation and approval of hold time study report of different product stage
wise recommendation of hold time study report shall be shared to production for
incorporation the holding period of different stage in the BMR.
• After compilation of hold time study, QA shall destroy the remaining sample as per
SOP.

Note:
If any of the in process materials crosses the stipulated time period of hold time, then they
shall be dealt as per SOP of Deviation Management and the material shall be tested as per
specification before release for further processing.

ABBREVIATIONS

SOP : Standard Operating Procedure

QA : Quality assurance

QC : Quality Control
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No. : Number

% : Percentage

RH : Relative Humidity

°C : Degree Centigrade

NMT : Not More Than

HDPE : High Density Poly Ethylene

SS : Stainless Steel

REVISION HISTORY

Nil

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