Overdue Calibration Finder

21 CFR 211: what it asks of a calibration register

21 CFR 211.68 requires automatic, mechanical or electronic equipment used in manufacture, processing, packing or holding to be routinely calibrated, inspected or checked according to a written program. The calibration of laboratory instruments in 211.160(b)(4) is named here and not stated: the held text covers the general requirement of 211.160 only.

Named, not quoted: 21 CFR 211.160(b)(4), the paragraph on the calibration of laboratory instruments. The held text of Section 211.160 is its general requirement, set out below.

Findings that cite it

FindingClause
1. Overdue: the due date worked out is earlier than the as-at date21 CFR 211.68
8. Calibrated in house with no procedure named21 CFR 211.68

21 CFR 211: every clause cited

2 of the 76 held

The requirement text is our statement of each clause, read against the copy we hold and cited to it; it is not the standard verbatim.

21 CFR 211.68Automatic, Mechanical, and Electronic Equipment

Automatic, mechanical, or electronic equipment used for manufacture, processing, packing, or holding shall be routinely calibrated, inspected, or checked according to a written program.

What a certification body auditor asks to see: Computerised system inventory with GAMP categorisation; Validation lifecycle documents (URS, FS, DS, IQ, OQ, PQ); Audit trail review records; Access control matrix and periodic user reviews; Data backup, restore, and archival evidence
Where registers usually fall short: Audit trails not reviewed at the required frequency; Shared user accounts on GxP systems; Backup restore tests not performed periodically; Spreadsheets used in batch release without validation; Legacy systems lacking ALCOA+ controls
Source: 21 CFR Part 211, current good manufacturing practice for finished pharmaceuticals
21 CFR 211.160Laboratory controls: general requirements

Laboratory controls shall include the establishment of scientifically sound and appropriate specifications, standards, sampling plans, and test procedures.

What a certification body auditor asks to see: Laboratory control SOPs; Specifications for components, in process materials, and finished products; Reference standards and reagents management procedure; Laboratory instrument inventory and qualification records
Where registers usually fall short: Specifications not aligned with the registered dossier; Reference standards used past expiry or recertification date; Laboratory SOPs without revision dates or owners; Instrument qualification status not visible at the bench
Source: 21 CFR Part 211, current good manufacturing practice for finished pharmaceuticals