A Diagnostic Tool for Good Chromatographic Practices Applied to HPLC in Pharmaceutical Quality Control

Background: High-performance liquid chromatography is one of the most used analytical techniques in quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Since it is a complex technique, it needs good practices that can contribute to compliance with regulatory requirements. Objective: This study aims to establish a diagnostic tool for Good Chromatographic Practices (GCP) for the self-assessment of a Quality Control Laboratory (QCL). Methods: The research was carried out on scientific bases, pharmaceutical legislation, as well as guides published by manufacturers. Results: Seven axes of action were identified: implementation, management, and continuous improvement of GCP in the laboratory; GCP in the installation, operationalization, qualification, and validation processes of the equipment and software; GCP in processes related to data management, including guidelines regarding access, generation, integrity, and traceability; GCP related to the management and use of consumables; GCP related to handling, maintenance, analytical and operational troubleshooting; GCP in the processes of preparation, use, and storage of analytical solutions and reagent solutions; and GCP related to the acquisition and processing of standards, samples, and results. These axes resulted in a diagnostic tool with 124 questions. Conclusion: The application of the GCP diagnostic tool provides the mapping of the routine and procedures related to the execution of the HPLC technique for quality control in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to meeting regulatory requirements.