Q2(R2) Validation of

Analytical Procedures
Guidance for Industry

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Food and Drug Administration
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

March 2024
ICH-Quality
Revision 2
 Q2(R2) Validation of
Analytical Procedures
Guidance for Industry
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Food and Drug Administration
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

March 2024
ICH-Quality
Revision 2
 Contains Nonbinding Recommendations

FOREWORD

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals

for Human Use (ICH) has the mission of achieving greater regulatory harmonization
worldwide to ensure that safe, effective, and high-quality medicines are developed,
registered, and maintained in the most resource-efficient manner. By harmonizing the
regulatory expectations in regions around the world, ICH guidelines have substantially
reduced duplicative clinical studies, prevented unnecessary animal studies, standardized
safety reporting and marketing application submissions, and contributed to many other
improvements in the quality of global drug development and manufacturing and the products
available to patients.

ICH is a consensus-driven process that involves technical experts from regulatory authorities
and industry parties in detailed technical and science-based harmonization work that results
in the development of ICH guidelines. The commitment to consistent adoption of these
consensus-based guidelines by regulators around the globe is critical to realizing the benefits
of safe, effective, and high-quality medicines for patients as well as for industry. As a
Founding Regulatory Member of ICH, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a
major role in the development of each of the ICH guidelines, which FDA then adopts and
issues as guidance to industry.
 Contains Nonbinding Recommendations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION (1) .................................................................................................. 1

A. Objective (1.1) .......................................................................................................................... 1
B. Scope (1.2) ................................................................................................................................. 1
II. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE
VALIDATION (2) ........................................................................................................ 2
A. Analytical Procedure Validation Study (2.1) ......................................................................... 3
B. Validation During the Life Cycle of an Analytical Procedure (2.2) .................................... 5
C. Reportable Range (2.3) ............................................................................................................ 6
D. Demonstration of Stability-Indicating Properties (2.4) ........................................................ 6
E. Considerations for Multivariate Analytical Procedures (2.5) .............................................. 6
III. VALIDATION TESTS, METHODOLOGY, AND EVALUATION (3) ................ 8
A. Specificity/Selectivity (3.1) ...................................................................................................... 8
1. General Considerations (3.1.1) ................................................................................................. 8
a. Absence of interference (3.1.1.1) ........................................................................................ 8
b. Orthogonal procedure comparison (3.1.1.2) ....................................................................... 8
c. Technology-inherent justification (3.1.13).......................................................................... 8
2. Recommended Data (3.1.2)........................................................................................................ 9
a. Identification (3.1.2.1)......................................................................................................... 9
b. Assay, purity, and impurity test(s) (3.1.2.2) ....................................................................... 9
B. Range (3.2) .............................................................................................................................. 10
1. General Considerations (3.2.1) ............................................................................................... 10
2. Response (3.2.2) ....................................................................................................................... 10
a. Linear response (3.2.2.1) ................................................................................................... 10
b. Nonlinear response (3.2.2.2) ............................................................................................. 11
c. Multivariate calibration (3.2.2.3) ...................................................................................... 11
3. Validation of Lower Range Limits (3.2.3)................................................................................ 12
a. Based on visual evaluation (3.2.3.1) ................................................................................. 12
b. Based on signal-to-noise (3.2.3.2) .................................................................................... 12
c. Based on the standard deviation of a linear response and a slope (3.2.3.3) ...................... 12
d. Based on accuracy and precision at lower range limits (3.2.3.4) ...................................... 13
e. Recommended data (3.2.3.5) ............................................................................................ 13
C. Accuracy and Precision (3.3) ................................................................................................ 13
1. Accuracy (3.3.1) ....................................................................................................................... 13
a. Reference material comparison (3.3.1.1) .......................................................................... 14
b. Spiking study (3.3.1.2) ...................................................................................................... 14
c. Orthogonal procedure comparison (3.3.1.3) ..................................................................... 14
d. Recommended data (3.3.1.4) ............................................................................................ 14
2. Precision (3.3.2) ...................................................................................................................... 14
a. Repeatability (3.3.2.1) ....................................................................................................... 15
b. Intermediate precision (3.3.2.2) ........................................................................................ 15
c. Reproducibility (3.3.2.3) ................................................................................................... 15
d. Recommended data (3.3.2.4) ............................................................................................ 15
3. Combined Approaches for Accuracy and Precision (3.3.3) .................................................... 15
a. Recommended data (3.3.3.1) ............................................................................................ 16
D. Robustness (3.4) ..................................................................................................................... 16

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GLOSSARY (4) ...................................................................................................................... 17

REFERENCES (5) ................................................................................................................. 22
APPENDIX A: SELECTION OF VALIDATION TESTS (6. ANNEX 1) ....................... 23
APPENDIX B: ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FOR ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
(7. ANNEX 2).......................................................................................................................... 24

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Q2(R2) Validation of Analytical Procedures

Guidance for Industry1

This guidance represents the current thinking of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency)
on this topic. It does not establish any rights for any person and is not binding on FDA or the public.
You can use an alternative approach if it satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and
regulations. To discuss an alternative approach, contact the FDA office responsible for this guidance
as listed on the title page.

I. INTRODUCTION (1) 2

A. Objective (1.1)

This guidance presents elements for consideration during the validation of analytical
procedures included as part of registration applications. Analytical procedure validation
forms a part of the analytical procedure life cycle, as described within the International
Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidance for industry Q14 Analytical Procedure
Development (March 2024) (ICH Q14). 3 This ICH guidance for industry, Q2(R2) Validation
of Analytical Procedures (ICH Q2), provides guidance on selection and evaluation of the
various validation tests for analytical procedures. This guidance includes a collection of
terms and their definitions, which are meant to bridge the differences that often exist between
various compendia and documents of the ICH member regulatory authorities.

The objective of validation of an analytical procedure is to demonstrate that the analytical

procedure is fit for the intended purpose. Further general guidance is provided on validation
studies for analytical procedures.

B. Scope (1.2)

This guidance applies to analytical procedures used for release and stability testing of
commercial drug substances and products, hereafter referred to as products. The guidance can
also be applied to other analytical procedures used as part of the control strategy (ICH
guidance for industry Q10 Pharmaceutical Quality System (April 2009)) following a risk-
based approach. The scientific principles described in this guidance can be applied in a
phase-appropriate manner to analytical procedures used during clinical development.

1
This guidance was developed within the Expert Working Group (Quality) of the International Council for
Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) and has
been subject to consultation by the regulatory parties, in accordance with the ICH process. This document has
been endorsed by the ICH Assembly at Step 4 of the ICH process, November 2023. At Step 4 of the process, the
final draft is recommended for adoption to the regulatory bodies of the ICH regions.
2
The numbers in parentheses reflect the organizational breakdown of the document endorsed by the ICH
Assembly at Step 4 of the ICH process, November 2023.
3
We update guidances periodically. To make sure you have the most recent version of a guidance, check the
FDA guidance web page at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents.

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The guidance is directed to common uses of analytical procedures, such as assay, potency,
purity, impurity (quantitative or limit test), identity, or other quantitative or qualitative
measurements.

In general, FDA’s guidance documents do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities.

Instead, guidances describe the Agency’s current thinking on a topic and should be viewed
only as recommendations, unless specific regulatory or statutory requirements are cited. The
use of the word should in Agency guidances means that something is suggested or
recommended, but not required.

II. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE

VALIDATION (2)

This guidance indicates the data that should be presented in a regulatory submission.
Analytical procedure validation data should be submitted in the corresponding sections of the
application (ICH guideline M4Q(R1) The Common Technical Document for the Registration
of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use: Quality) 4. Relevant data collected during validation (and
any methodology used for calculating validation results) should be submitted to demonstrate
the suitability of the procedure for the intended purpose. Suitable data derived from
development studies (see ICH Q14) can be used as part of validation data. When an
established platform analytical procedure is used for a new purpose, validation testing can be
abbreviated, if scientifically justified.

Approaches other than those set forth in this guidance may be applicable and acceptable with
appropriate science-based justification. The applicant is responsible for designing the
validation studies and protocol most suitable for their product.

Reference materials, or other suitably characterized materials, with documented identity,

purity, or any other characteristics as necessary should be used in the validation study.

In practice, the experimental work can be designed so that the appropriate performance
characteristics are considered simultaneously to provide sound, overall knowledge of the
performance of the analytical procedure, for instance: specificity/selectivity, accuracy, and
precision over the reportable range.

As described in ICH Q14, the system suitability test is an integral part of analytical
procedures and is generally established during development as a regular check of
performance. Robustness is typically evaluated as part of development prior to the execution
of the analytical procedure validation study (ICH Q14). Finally, the analytical procedure
validation strategy is developed based on knowledge of the analytical procedure and the
intended purpose. This includes the required analytical procedure performance to ensure the
quality of the measured result (ICH Q14). If successfully executed, the analytical procedure
validation strategy will demonstrate that the analytical procedure is fit for the intended
purpose.

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Available at https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/M4Q_R1_Guideline.pdf.

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A. Analytical Procedure Validation Study (2.1)

A validation study is designed to provide sufficient evidence that the analytical procedure
meets its objectives. These objectives are described with a suitable set of performance
characteristics and related performance criteria, which can vary depending on the intended
purpose of the analytical procedure and the specific technology selected. Section III (3),
Validation Tests, Methodology, and Evaluation, summarizes the typical methodologies and
validation tests that can be used (see also Figure 2 in Appendix A (6. Annex 1) on selection
of validation tests). Specific nonbinding examples for common techniques are given in
Appendix B (7. Annex 2). Table 1 (below) provides the measured quality attributes, typical
performance characteristics and related validation tests, which are further illustrated in
Appendix A (6. Annex 1).

The validation study should be documented. Prior to the validation study, a validation
protocol should be generated. The protocol should contain information about the intended
purpose of the analytical procedure, the performance characteristics to be validated, and the
associated criteria. In cases where prior knowledge is used (e.g., from development or from
previous studies), appropriate justification should be provided. The results of the validation
study should be summarized in a validation report.

The experimental design of the validation study should reflect the number of replicates used
in routine analysis to generate a reportable result. If justified, it may be acceptable to perform
some validation tests using a different number of replicates or to adjust the number of
replicates in the analytical procedure based on data generated during validation.

Figure 1 (below) shows the interrelationship between ICH Q2 and ICH Q14 and how
knowledge generated during analytical procedure development as described in ICH Q14 aids
the design of a validation study.

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Table 1: Typical Performance Characteristics and Related Validation Tests for

Measured Quality Attributes

Measured Quality IDENTITY IMPURITY (PURITY) ASSAY

Attribute Other Quantitative Content or
Measurements (1) Potency

Analytical Quantitative Limit Other

Procedure Test Test Quantitative
Performance Measurements (1)
Characteristics to be
Demonstrated (2)
Specificity (3)
Specificity Test + + + +

Range
Response - + - +
(Calibration Model)

Lower Range Limit - QL† DL -

Accuracy (4)
Accuracy Test - + - +

Precision (4)
Repeatability Test - + - +

Intermediate - + (5) - + (5)

Precision Test
- signifies that this test is not normally conducted.
+ signifies that this test is normally conducted.
†
In some complex cases DL may also be evaluated.
QL = quantitation limit; DL = detection limit.
(1) Other quantitative measurements can follow the scheme for impurity, if the range limit is close to the
DL/QL; other quantitative measurements can follow the scheme for assay (content or potency), if the range limit
is not close to the DL/QL.
(2) Some performance characteristics can be substituted with technology-inherent justification in the case of
certain analytical procedures for physicochemical properties.
(3) Lack of specificity of one analytical procedure should be compensated by one or more other supporting
analytical procedures, unless appropriately justified.
(4) Alternatively, a combined approach can be used to evaluate accuracy and precision.
(5) Where reproducibility has been performed and intermediate precision can be derived from the
reproducibility data set, an independent study for intermediate precision is not required.

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Figure 1: Validation Study Design and Evaluation

ICH Q14 = International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidance for industry Q14 Analytical Procedure
Development (March 2024).
ICH Q2 = ICH guidance for industry Q2(R2) Validation of Analytical Procedures.

B. Validation During the Life Cycle of an Analytical Procedure (2.2)

Changes may be required during the life cycle of a validated analytical procedure. In such
cases, partial or full revalidation may be required. Science and risk-based principles can be
used to justify whether or not a given performance characteristic needs revalidation. The
extent of revalidation depends on the performance characteristics impacted by the change.

Transfer of a validated analytical procedure should be considered in the context of analytical

life cycle changes in line with ICH Q14. When transferring analytical procedures to a
different laboratory, a partial or full revalidation of the analytical procedure performance
characteristics and/or comparative analysis of representative samples should be performed.
Justification for not performing additional transfer experiments should be provided if
appropriate.

Covalidation can be used to demonstrate that the analytical procedure meets predefined
performance criteria by using data generated at multiple sites and could also satisfy the
requirements of analytical procedure transfer at the participating sites.

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C. Reportable Range (2.3)

The required reportable range is typically derived from the specification and depends on the
intended use of the procedure. The reportable range is confirmed by demonstrating that the
analytical procedure provides results with acceptable response, accuracy, and precision. The
reportable range should be inclusive of the upper and lower specification or reporting limits,
as applicable.

Table 2 (below) exemplifies recommended reportable ranges for common uses of analytical
procedures; other ranges may be acceptable if justified. In some cases, (e.g., at low amounts)
wider upper ranges may be more practical.

D. Demonstration of Stability-Indicating Properties (2.4)

A validated quantitative analytical procedure that can detect changes in relevant quality
attributes of a product during storage is considered to be stability indicating. To demonstrate
specificity/selectivity of a stability-indicating test, samples containing relevant degradation
products should be included in the study. These can include samples spiked with target
analytes and known interferences; samples that have been exposed to various physical and
chemical stress conditions; and actual product samples that are either aged or have been
stored under stressed conditions.

E. Considerations for Multivariate Analytical Procedures (2.5)

For multivariate analytical procedures, results are determined through a multivariate

calibration model utilizing more than one input variable (e.g., a spectrum with many
wavelength variables). The multivariate calibration model relates the input data to a value for
the property of interest (i.e., the model output).

Successful validation of a multivariate procedure should consider calibration, internal testing,

and validation.

Typically, development and validation are performed in two phases.

• In the first phase, model development consists of calibration and internal testing.
Calibration data are used to create the calibration model. Test data are used for
internal testing and optimization of the model. The test data could be a separate set of
data or part of the calibration set used in a rotational manner. This internal test step is
used to obtain an estimate of the model performance and to fine-tune an algorithm’s
parameters (e.g., the number of latent variables for partial least squares) to select the
most suitable model within a given set of data. For more details, see ICH Q14.

• In the second phase, model validation, a validation set with independent samples is
used for validation of the model. For identification libraries, validation involves
analyzing samples (i.e., challenge samples) not represented in the library to
demonstrate the discriminative ability of the library model.

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Table 2: Examples of Reportable Ranges for Common Uses of Analytical Procedures

Use of Analytical Low End of Reportable High End of Reportable

Procedure Range Range

Assay of a product (1) 80% of declared content or 120% of declared content or

80% of lower specification 120% of the upper
acceptance criterion specification acceptance
criterion

Potency Lowest specification Highest specification

acceptance criterion -20% acceptance criterion +20%

Content uniformity 70% of declared content 130% of declared content

Dissolution:

Immediate release
• one point Q -45% of the lowest
specification strength

• multiple point Lower limit of reportable 130% of declared content of

specification range (as justified by the the highest strength
specification) or QL, as
appropriate.

Modified release Lower limit of reportable

range (as justified by the
specification) or QL, as
appropriate.

Impurity (1) Reporting threshold 120% of specification

acceptance criterion

Purity (as area %) 80% of lower specification Upper specification

acceptance criterion acceptance criterion or 100%
(1) Where assay and impurity are performed as a single test and only one standard is used, linearity should be
demonstrated for both the reporting level of the impurities and up to 120% of the specification acceptance criterion
for assay.
QL = quantitation limit.

Samples used for the validation of quantitative or qualitative multivariate procedures require
values or categories assigned to each sample, typically obtained by a reference analytical
procedure (i.e., a validated or pharmacopoeial procedure).

When a reference analytical procedure is used, its performance should equal or exceed the
expected performance of the multivariate analytical procedure. Analysis by the reference

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analytical procedure and multivariate data collection should be performed on the same
samples (whenever possible) within a reasonable period of time to assure sample and
measurement stability. In some cases, a correlation or conversion may be needed to provide
the same unit of measure. Any assumptions or calculations should be described.

III. VALIDATION TESTS, METHODOLOGY, AND EVALUATION (3)

In the following sections, experimental methodologies to evaluate the performance of an

analytical procedure are described. These methodologies are grouped according to main
performance characteristics dictated by the analytical procedure design. It is acknowledged
that information about multiple performance characteristics may be derived from the same
dataset. Different approaches may be used to demonstrate that the analytical procedure meets
the objectives and related performance criteria, if justified.

A. Specificity/Selectivity (3.1)

1. General Considerations (3.1.1)

The specificity or selectivity of an analytical procedure can be demonstrated through absence

of interference or comparison of results to an orthogonal procedure. In some cases,
specificity/selectivity may be inherently given by the underlying scientific principles of the
analytical procedure. Some experiments can be combined with accuracy studies.

Selectivity could be demonstrated when the analytical procedure is not specific. However, the
test for an analyte to be identified or quantitated in the presence of potential interference
should minimize that interference and demonstrate that the analytical procedure is fit for the
intended purpose.

Where one analytical procedure does not provide sufficient discrimination, a combination of
two or more procedures is recommended to achieve the necessary specificity/selectivity.

a. Absence of interference (3.1.1.1)

Specificity/selectivity can be shown by demonstrating that the identification and/or

quantitation of an analyte is not impacted by the presence of other substances (e.g.,
impurities, degradation products, related substances, matrices, or other components likely to
be present).

b. Orthogonal procedure comparison (3.1.1.2)

Specificity/selectivity can be verified by demonstrating that the measured result of an analyte

is comparable to the measured result of a second, well-characterized analytical procedure that
ideally applies a different measurement principle.

c. Technology-inherent justification (3.1.13)

In some cases where the specificity of the analytical technology can be ensured and predicted
by technical parameters (e.g., resolution of isotopes in mass spectrometry, chemical shifts in

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nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), additional experimental studies may not be

required, if justified.

2. Recommended Data (3.1.2)

a. Identification (3.1.2.1)

For identification tests, a critical aspect is to demonstrate the capability to identify the analyte
of interest based on unique aspects of its molecular structure and/or other specific properties.
The capability of an analytical procedure to identify an analyte can be confirmed by obtaining
positive results comparable to a reference material using samples containing the analyte,
along with negative results from samples, which do not contain the analyte. In addition, the
identification test should be applied to materials structurally similar to or closely related to
the analyte to confirm that a positive result is not obtained. The choice of such potentially
interfering materials should be based on scientific judgement with a consideration of
interferences that could occur.

b. Assay, purity, and impurity test(s) (3.1.2.2)

The specificity/selectivity of an analytical procedure should be demonstrated to fulfill the

accuracy requirements for the content or potency of an analyte in the sample.

Representative data (e.g., chromatograms, electropherograms, spectra, biological response)

should be used to demonstrate specificity and relevant components should be labeled, if
appropriate.

For separation techniques, suitable discrimination should be investigated at an appropriate

level (e.g., for critical separations in chromatography, specificity can be demonstrated by the
resolution of the two components, which elute closest to each other). Alternatively, spectra of
different components could be compared to assess the possibility of interference.

For nonseparation techniques (e.g., bioassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,

quantitative polymerase chain reaction), specificity can be demonstrated through the use of
reference materials or other suitably characterized materials to confirm the absence of
interference in relation to the analyte. In cases where the analyte is a process-related impurity,
specificity (noninterference) must also be confirmed against the product.

In case a single procedure is not considered specific or sufficiently selective, an additional

procedure should be used to ensure adequate discrimination. For example, where a titration is
used to assay a drug substance for release, the combination of the assay and a suitable test for
impurities may be used.

Impurities or related substances are available or can be intentionally created:

For assay or potency, discrimination of the analyte in the presence of impurities and/or
excipients should be demonstrated. Practically, this can be performed by spiking product with
appropriate amounts of impurities and consequently demonstrating that the assay result is
unaffected by the presence of these materials (e.g., by comparison with the assay result
obtained on unmanipulated samples). Alternatively, samples containing appropriate amounts
of impurities could be generated through deliberate stressing of product materials.

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For a purity or impurity test, discrimination can be established by stressing or spiking product
to achieve appropriate levels of impurities or related substances and demonstrating the
absence of interference.

Impurities or related substances are not available:

If impurities, related substances, or degradation products cannot be prepared or isolated,

specificity can be demonstrated by comparing the test results of samples containing typical
impurities, related substances, or degradation products with an orthogonal procedure. The
approach taken should be justified.

B. Range (3.2)

1. General Considerations (3.2.1)

The range of an analytical procedure is the interval between the lowest and the highest results
in which the analytical procedure has a suitable level of response, accuracy, and precision.
The range can be validated through the direct assessment of reportable results (to generate a
reportable range) using an appropriate calibration model (i.e., linear, nonlinear, multivariate).
In some cases, the reportable range can be determined using one or more appropriate working
ranges, depending on the sample preparation (e.g., dilutions) and the analytical procedure
selected.

Typically, a working range corresponds to the lowest and the highest sample concentrations
or purity levels presented to the analytical instrument for which the analytical procedure
provides reliable results. Mathematical calculations are typically required to generate
reportable results. Reportable range and working range could be identical.

In cases where materials of sufficient purity (or containing sufficient amounts of impurities)
to validate the full range (e.g., 100 percent purity) cannot be generated, extrapolation of the
reportable range may be appropriate and should be justified.

2. Response (3.2.2)

a. Linear response (3.2.2.1)

A linear relationship between analyte concentration and response should be evaluated across
the range of the analytical procedure to confirm the suitability of the procedure for the
intended purpose. The response can be demonstrated directly on the product or suitable
reference materials, separate weighings of analyte, or predefined mixtures of the components
(e.g., by dilution of a solution of known content), using the proposed procedure.

Linearity can be evaluated with a plot of signals as a function of analyte concentration or

content and should demonstrate the analytical procedure capability across a given range to
obtain values that are proportional to the true (known or theoretical) sample values. Test
results should be evaluated by an appropriate statistical method (e.g., by calculation of a
regression line by the method of least squares).

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Data derived from the regression line may help to provide mathematical estimates of the
linearity. A plot of the data, the correlation coefficient or coefficient of determination, y-
intercept, and slope of the regression line should be provided. An analysis of the deviation of
the actual data points from the regression line is helpful for evaluating linearity (e.g., for a
linear response, the impact of any nonrandom pattern in the residuals plot from the regression
analysis should be assessed).

To assess linearity during validation, a minimum of five concentrations appropriately

distributed across the range is recommended.

The measured data can be mathematically transformed if necessary (e.g., through the use of a
log function).

Other approaches to the assessment of linearity should be justified.

b. Nonlinear response (3.2.2.2)

Some analytical procedures may show nonlinear responses. In these cases, a model or
function which can describe the relationship between the activity/concentration present and
the response of the analytical procedure is necessary. The suitability of the model should be
assessed by means of nonlinear regression analysis (e.g., coefficient of determination).

For example, immunoassays or cell-based assays may show an S-shaped response. S-shaped
test curves occur when the range of concentrations is wide enough that responses are
constrained by upper and lower asymptotes. Common models used in this case are four- or
five-parameter logistic functions, though other acceptable models exist.

For these analytical procedures, the evaluation of linearity is separate from consideration of
the shape of the concentration-response curve. Thus, linearity of the concentration-response
relationship is not required. Instead, analytical procedure performance should be evaluated
across a given range to obtain values that are proportional to the true (known or theoretical)
sample values.

c. Multivariate calibration (3.2.2.3)

Algorithms used for construction of multivariate calibration models can be linear or

nonlinear, as long as the model is appropriate for establishing the relationship between the
signal and the quality attribute of interest. The accuracy of a multivariate procedure is
dependent on multiple factors, such as the distribution of calibration samples across the
calibration range and the reference analytical procedure error.

In multivariate analysis, the measured data are commonly pretreated through derivatives or
normalization.

Linearity assessment, apart from comparison of reference and predicted results, should
include information on how the analytical procedure error (residuals) changes across the
calibration range. Graphical plots can be used to assess the residuals of the model prediction
across the working range.

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3. Validation of Lower Range Limits (3.2.3)

If the quality attribute to be measured requires the range of an analytical procedure to be

close to the lower range limits of the procedure, detection limit (DL) and quantitation limit
(QL), can be estimated using the following approaches.

a. Based on visual evaluation (3.2.3.1)

Visual evaluation can be used for both noninstrumental and instrumental procedures.

The limit is determined by the analysis of samples with known concentrations and by
establishing the minimum level at which the analyte can be reliably resolved and detected or
quantitated.

b. Based on signal-to-noise (3.2.3.2)

This approach is relevant for analytical procedures, which exhibit baseline noise.
Determination of the signal-to-noise ratio is performed by comparing measured signals from
samples with known low concentrations of analyte with those of blank samples.
Alternatively, signals in an appropriate baseline region can be used instead of blank samples.
The DL or QL are the minimum concentrations at which the analyte can be reliably detected
or quantitated, respectively. A signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1 is generally considered acceptable
for estimating the DL. For QL, a ratio of at least 10:1 is considered acceptable.

The signal-to-noise ratio should be determined within a defined region and, if possible,
situated equally around the place where the peak of interest would be found.

c. Based on the standard deviation of a linear response and a slope

(3.2.3.3)

The DL can be expressed as:

3.3𝜎𝜎
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 =
𝑆𝑆
while the QL can be expressed as:

10𝜎𝜎
𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 =
𝑆𝑆
where σ = the standard deviation of the response

S = the slope of the calibration curve

The slope S can be estimated from the regression line of the analyte. The estimate of σ can be
carried out in a variety of ways, for example:

Based on the standard deviation of the blank:

Measurement of the magnitude of background response is performed by analyzing an

appropriate number of blank samples and calculating the standard deviation of the responses.

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Based on the calibration curve:

A specific calibration curve should be evaluated using samples containing an analyte in the
range of the DL and QL. The residual standard deviation of a regression line (i.e., root mean
square error/deviation) or the standard deviation of y-intercepts of the regression lines can be
used as the standard deviation.

d. Based on accuracy and precision at lower range limits (3.2.3.4)

Instead of using estimated values as described in the previous approaches, the QL can be
directly validated by accuracy and precision measurements.

e. Recommended data (3.2.3.5)

The DL and the approach used for its determination should be presented. If the DL is
determined based on visual evaluation or based on signal-to-noise ratio, the presentation of
the relevant data is considered an acceptable justification.

In cases where an estimated value for the DL is obtained by calculation or extrapolation, this
estimate can subsequently be validated by the independent analysis of a suitable number of
samples known to be near or prepared at the DL.

The QL and the approach used for its determination should also be presented.

If the QL was estimated, the limit should be subsequently validated by the analysis of a
suitable number of samples known to be near or at the QL. In cases where the QL is well
below (e.g., approximately 10 times lower than) the reporting limit, this confirmatory
validation can be omitted with justification.

For impurity tests, the QL for the analytical procedure should be equal to or below the
reporting threshold.

C. Accuracy and Precision (3.3)

Accuracy and precision can be evaluated independently, each with a predefined acceptance
criterion. Alternatively, accuracy and precision can be evaluated in combination.

1. Accuracy (3.3.1)

Accuracy should be established across the reportable range of an analytical procedure and is
typically demonstrated through comparison of the measured results with expected values.
Accuracy should be demonstrated under regular test conditions of the analytical procedure
(e.g., in the presence of sample matrix and using described sample preparation steps).

Accuracy is typically verified through one of the studies described below. In certain cases,
accuracy can be inferred once precision, response within the range, and specificity have been
established.

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a. Reference material comparison (3.3.1.1)

The analytical procedure is applied to an analyte of known purity (e.g., a reference material, a
well-characterized impurity, a related substance) and the measured versus theoretically
expected results are evaluated.

b. Spiking study (3.3.1.2)

The analytical procedure is applied to a matrix of all components except the analyte where a
known amount of the analyte of interest has been added. In cases where all the expected
components are impossible to reproduce, the analyte can be added to or enriched in the test
sample. The results from measurements on unspiked and spiked/enriched samples are
evaluated.

c. Orthogonal procedure comparison (3.3.1.3)

The results of the proposed analytical procedure are compared with those of an orthogonal
procedure. The accuracy of the orthogonal procedure should be reported. Orthogonal
procedures can be used with quantitative impurity measurements to verify primary
measurement values in cases where obtaining samples of all relevant components needed to
mimic the matrix for spiking studies is not possible.

d. Recommended data (3.3.1.4)

Accuracy should be assessed using an appropriate number of determinations and

concentration levels covering the reportable range (e.g., three concentrations/three replicates
each of the full analytical procedure).

Accuracy should be reported as the mean percent recovery of a known added amount of
analyte in the sample or as the difference between the mean and the accepted true value,
together with an appropriate 100(1-α) percent confidence interval (or justified alternative
statistical interval). The observed interval should be compatible with the corresponding
accuracy acceptance criteria, unless otherwise justified.

For impurity tests, the approach for the determination of individual or total impurities should
be described (e.g., weight/weight or area percent with respect to the major analyte).

For quantitative applications of multivariate analytical procedures, appropriate metrics (e.g.,

root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP)) should be used. If RMSEP is found to be
comparable to acceptable root mean square error of calibration, then this indicates that the
model is sufficiently accurate when tested with an independent test set. Qualitative
applications such as classification, misclassification rate, or positive prediction rate can be
used to characterize accuracy.

2. Precision (3.3.2)

Validation of tests for assay and for quantitative determination of impurity (purity) includes
an investigation of precision.

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Precision should be investigated using authentic homogeneous samples or, if unavailable,

artificially prepared samples (e.g., spiked matrix mixtures or samples enriched with relevant
amounts of the analyte in question).

a. Repeatability (3.3.2.1)

Repeatability should be assessed using:

a) A minimum of nine determinations covering the reportable range for the procedure
(e.g., three concentrations/three replicates each)

or

b) A minimum of six determinations at 100 percent of the test concentration.

b. Intermediate precision (3.3.2.2)

The extent to which intermediate precision should be established depends on the

circumstances under which the procedure is intended to be used. The applicant should
establish the effects of random events on the precision of the analytical procedure. Typical
variations to be studied include different days, environmental conditions, analysts, and
equipment, as relevant. Ideally, the variations tested should be based on and justified by using
analytical procedure understanding from development and risk assessment (ICH Q14).
Studying these effects individually is not necessary. The use of design of experiments studies
is encouraged.

c. Reproducibility (3.3.2.3)

Reproducibility is assessed by means of an interlaboratory trial. Investigation of

reproducibility is usually not required for regulatory submission but should be considered in
cases of standardization of an analytical procedure, for instance, for inclusion of procedures
in pharmacopoeias and in cases where analytical procedures are conducted at multiple sites.

d. Recommended data (3.3.2.4)

The standard deviation, relative standard deviation (coefficient of variation), and an

appropriate 100(1-α) percent confidence interval (or justified alternative statistical interval)
should be reported. The observed interval should be compatible with the corresponding
precision acceptance criteria, unless otherwise justified.

Additionally, for multivariate analytical procedures, the routine metrics of RMSEP

encompass accuracy and precision.

3. Combined Approaches for Accuracy and Precision (3.3.3)

An alternative to separate evaluation of accuracy and precision is to consider their total

impact by assessing against a combined performance criterion.

Data generated during development may help determine the best approach and refine
appropriate performance criteria to which combined accuracy and precision are compared.

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Combined accuracy and precision can be evaluated by use of a prediction interval, a tolerance
interval, or a confidence interval. Other approaches may be acceptable if justified.

a. Recommended data (3.3.3.1)

If a combined performance criterion is chosen, results should be reported as a combined

value to provide appropriate overall knowledge of the suitability of the analytical procedure.
If relevant to justify the suitability of the analytical procedure, the individual results for
accuracy and precision should be provided as supplemental information. The approach used
should be described.

D. Robustness (3.4)

The evaluation of the analytical procedure’s suitability within the intended operational
environment should be considered during the development phase and depends on the type of
procedure under study. Robustness testing should show the reliability of an analytical
procedure in response to deliberate variations in analytical procedure parameters as well as
the stability of the sample preparations and reagents for the duration of the procedure, if
appropriate. The robustness evaluation can be submitted as part of development data for an
analytical procedure on a case-by-case basis or should be made available upon request.

For further details, see ICH Q14.

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GLOSSARY (4)

Accuracy

The accuracy of an analytical procedure expresses the closeness of agreement between the
value which is accepted either as a conventional true value or as an accepted reference value
and the value or set of values measured. (International Council for Harmonisation guidance
for industry Q2(R2) Validation of Analytical Procedures (ICH Q2)) 1

Analytical procedure

The analytical procedure refers to the way of performing the analysis. The analytical
procedure should describe in sufficient detail the steps necessary to perform each analytical
test. (ICH Q2)

Analytical procedure parameter

Any analytical factor (including reagent quality) or analytical procedure operational condition
that can be varied continuously (e.g., flow rate) or specified at controllable, unique levels.
(ICH guidance for industry Q14 Analytical Procedure Development (March 2024) (ICH
Q14))

Analytical procedure validation strategy

An analytical procedure validation strategy describes the selection of analytical procedure

performance characteristics for validation. In the strategy, data gathered during development
studies and system suitability tests can be applied to validation and an appropriate set of
validation tests can be predefined. (ICH Q14)

Calibration model

A model based on analytical measurements of known samples that relates the input data to a
value for the property of interest (i.e., the model output). (ICH Q2)

Control strategy

A planned set of controls, derived from current product and process understanding, that
assures process performance and product quality. The controls can include parameters and
attributes related to drug substance and drug product materials and components, facility and
equipment operating conditions, in-process controls, finished product specifications, and the
associated methods and frequency of monitoring and control. (ICH guidance for industry Q10
Pharmaceutical Quality System (April 2009))

Covalidation

Demonstration that the analytical procedure meets its predefined performance criteria when
used at different laboratories for the same intended purpose. Covalidation can involve all (full

1
We update guidances periodically. To make sure you have the most recent version of a guidance, check the
FDA guidance web page at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents.

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 Contains Nonbinding Recommendations

revalidation) or a subset (partial revalidation) of performance characteristics potentially

impacted by the change in laboratories. (ICH Q2)

Detection limit (DL)

The detection limit is the lowest amount of an analyte in a sample, which can be detected but
not necessarily quantitated as an exact value. (ICH Q2)

Determination

The reported value(s) from single or replicate measurements of a single sample preparation as
per the validation protocol. (ICH Q2)

Intermediate precision

Intermediate precision expresses intralaboratory variations. Factors to be considered should

include potential sources of variability, for example, different days, different environmental
conditions, different analysts, and different equipment. (ICH Q2)

Performance characteristic

A technology independent description of a characteristic that ensures the quality of the

measured result. Typically, accuracy, precision, specificity/selectivity, and range may be
considered. Previous ICH Q2 guidance versions referred to this as validation characteristic.
(ICH Q2)

Performance criterion

An acceptance criterion describing a numerical range, limit, or desired state to ensure the
quality of the measured result for a given performance characteristic. (ICH Q14)

Platform analytical procedure

An analytical procedure that is suitable to test quality attributes of different products without
significant change to its operational conditions, system suitability, and reporting structure.
This type of analytical procedure can be used to analyze molecules that are sufficiently alike
with respect to the attributes that the platform analytical procedure is intended to measure.
(ICH Q2)

Precision

The precision of an analytical procedure expresses the closeness of agreement (degree of

scatter) between a series of measurements obtained from multiple samplings of the same
homogeneous sample under the prescribed conditions. Precision can be considered at three
levels: repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility.

The precision of an analytical procedure is usually expressed as the variance, standard

deviation, or coefficient of variation of a series of measurements. (ICH Q2)

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Quantitation limit (QL)

The quantitation limit is the lowest amount of analyte in a sample which can be quantitatively
determined with suitable precision and accuracy. The quantitation limit is a parameter used
for quantitative assays for low levels of compounds in sample matrices and, particularly, is
used for the determination of impurities and/or degradation products. (ICH Q2)

Range

The range of an analytical procedure is the interval between the lowest and the highest results
in which the analytical procedure has a suitable level of precision, accuracy, and response.
(ICH Q2)

Reportable range

The reportable range of an analytical procedure includes all values from the lowest to the
highest reportable result for which there is a suitable level of precision and accuracy.
Typically, the reportable range is given in the same unit as the specification acceptance
criterion. (ICH Q2)

Working range

A working range corresponds to the lowest and the highest levels of the quality attribute
to be measured (e.g., content, purity) as presented to the analytical instrument and for
which the analytical procedure provides reliable results. (ICH Q2)

Reference material

A suitably characterized material, sufficiently homogeneous and stable with regard to one or
more defined attributes, which has been established to be fit for the intended purpose.
Reference materials may include national/international reference standards, pharmacopoeial
reference standards, or in-house primary/secondary reference materials. (ICH Q2)

Repeatability

Repeatability expresses the precision under the same operating conditions over a short
interval of time. Repeatability is also termed intraassay precision. (ICH Q2)

Reportable result

The result as generated by the analytical procedure after calculation or processing and
applying the described sample replication. (ICH Q2)

Reproducibility

Reproducibility expresses the precision between laboratories (e.g., interlaboratory studies,

usually applied to standardization of methodology). (ICH Q2)

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Response

The response of an analytical procedure is its ability (within a given range) to obtain a signal
which is effectively related to the concentration (amount) or activity of analyte in the sample
by some known mathematical function. (ICH Q2)

Revalidation

Demonstration that an analytical procedure is still fit for the intended purpose after a change
to the product, process, or the analytical procedure itself. Revalidation can involve all (full
revalidation) or a subset (partial revalidation) of performance characteristics. (ICH Q2)

Robustness

The robustness of an analytical procedure is a measure of its capacity to meet the expected
performance criteria during normal use. Robustness is tested by deliberate variations of
analytical procedure parameters. (ICH Q14)

Specificity/Selectivity

Specificity and selectivity are both terms to describe the extent to which other substances
interfere with the determination of an analyte according to a given analytical procedure.
Specificity is typically used to describe the ultimate state, measuring unequivocally a desired
analyte. Selectivity is a relative term to describe the extent to which particular analytes in
mixtures or matrices can be measured without interferences from other components with
similar behavior. (ICH Q2)

System suitability test (SST)

System suitability tests are developed and used to verify that the measurement system and the
analytical operations associated with the analytical procedure are fit for the intended purpose
and increase the detectability of unacceptable performance. (ICH Q14)

Validation study

An evaluation of prior knowledge, data, or deliberate experiments (i.e., validation tests) to

determine the suitability of an analytical procedure for the intended purpose. (ICH Q2)

Validation test

Validation tests are deliberate experiments designed to authenticate the suitability of an

analytical procedure for the intended purpose. (ICH Q2)

Multivariate Glossary

Calibration set

A set of data with matched known characteristics and measured analytical results. (ICH Q14)

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Independent sample

Independent samples are samples not included in the calibration set of a multivariate model.
Independent samples can come from the same batch from which calibration samples are
selected. (ICH Q2)

Internal testing

Internal testing is a process of checking if unique samples processed by the model yield the
correct predictions (qualitative or quantitative).

Internal testing serves as means to establish the optimal number of latent variables, estimate
the standard error, and detect potential outliers. (ICH Q2)

Latent variables

Mathematically derived variables that are directly related to measured variables and are used
in further processing. (ICH Q2)

Model validation

The process of determining the suitability of a model by challenging it with independent test
data and comparing the results against predetermined performance criteria. (ICH Q2)

Multivariate analytical procedure

An analytical procedure where a result is determined through a multivariate calibration model

utilizing more than one input variable. (ICH Q2)

Reference analytical procedure

A separate analytical procedure used to obtain the reference values of the calibration and
validation samples for a multivariate analytical procedure. (ICH Q2)

Validation set

A set of data used to give an independent assessment of the performance of the calibration
model. (ICH Q2)

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REFERENCES (5)

International Council for Harmonisation guidance for industry Q10 Pharmaceutical Quality
System (April 2009) 1

International Council for Harmonisation guidance for industry Q14 Analytical Procedure
Development (March 2024)

International Council for Harmonisation guideline M4Q(R1) The Common Technical

Document for the Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use: Quality 2

1
We update guidances periodically. To make sure you have the most recent version of a guidance, check the
FDA guidance web page at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents.
2
Available at https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/M4Q_R1_Guideline.pdf.

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APPENDIX A: SELECTION OF VALIDATION TESTS (6. ANNEX 1)

Figure 2: Examples of Relevant Validation Tests Based on the Objective of the Analytical Procedure

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APPENDIX B: ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FOR ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

(7. ANNEX 2)

The tables presented in this appendix are examples of approaches to analytical procedure
validation for a selection of technologies. The technologies and approaches presented have
been constructed to illustrate potential applications of the principles contained within this
guidance and are not exhaustive. The examples are not intended to be mandatory, and
alternative approaches (fulfilling the intent of the guidance) may also be acceptable.

Table 3: Examples for Quantitative Separation Techniques

Technique Separation Techniques (e.g., Separation Techniques With

HPLC, GC, CE) for Impurities Relative Area Quantitation (e.g.,
or Assay Product-Related Substances Such
as Charge Variants)
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Absence of relevant interference: Absence of relevant interference:
Selectivity With product, buffer, or With product, buffer, or appropriate
appropriate matrix, and between matrix, and between individual peaks
individual peaks of interest of interest

Spiking with known impurities/ Demonstration of stability-indicating

excipients properties through appropriate forced
degradation samples if necessary
or

By comparison of impurity
profiles by an orthogonal
analytical procedure

Demonstration of stability-
indicating properties through
appropriate forced degradation
samples, if necessary
Precision Repeatability:
Replicate measurements with 3 times 3 levels across the reportable range
or 6 times at 100% level, considering peak(s) of interest

Intermediate precision:
e.g., different days, environmental conditions, analysts, equipment

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 Contains Nonbinding Recommendations

Technique Separation Techniques (e.g., Separation Techniques With

HPLC, GC, CE) for Impurities Relative Area Quantitation (e.g.,
or Assay Product-Related Substances Such
as Charge Variants)
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Accuracy For Assay: Comparison with an orthogonal
Comparison with suitably procedure and/or suitably
characterized material (e.g., characterized material (e.g., reference
reference material) material)
or or
Comparison with an orthogonal
procedure Accuracy can be inferred once
precision, linearity, and specificity
For impurities or related have been established
substances:
or
Spiking studies with impurities
or Spiking studies with forced
degradation samples and/or suitably
Comparison of impurity profiles characterized material
with an orthogonal procedure
Reportable range Validation of calibration model Validation of calibration model
across the range: across the range:

Linearity: Dilution of the Linearity: Between measured

analytes of interest over the (observed) relative result versus
expected procedure range, at theoretically expected relative result
least 5 points across specification range(s) (e.g., by
spiking or degrading material)
Validation of lower range limits
(for purity only): QL, DL Validation of lower range limits: QL
through a selected methodology (and DL) through a selected
(e.g., signal-to-noise methodology (e.g., signal-to-noise
determination) determination)

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Technique Separation Techniques (e.g., Separation Techniques With

HPLC, GC, CE) for Impurities Relative Area Quantitation (e.g.,
or Assay Product-Related Substances Such
as Charge Variants)
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Robustness and Deliberate variation of relevant parameters, e.g.,
other
considerations Sample preparation: extraction volume, extraction time, temperature,
(performed as part dilution
of analytical
procedure Separation parameters: column/capillary lot, mobile phase/buffer
development as composition and pH, column/capillary temperature, flow rate, detection
per International wavelength
Council for
Harmonisation Stability of sample and reference material preparations
guidance for
industry Q14 Relative Response Factors
Analytical
Procedure If the analyte has a different response from the reference material (e.g., a
Development)* different specific UV absorbance), relative response factors should be
calculated using the appropriate ratio of responses. This evaluation may
be performed during validation or development, and should use the
finalized analytical procedure conditions and be appropriately
documented

If the relative response factor is outside the range 0.8-1.2, then a

correction factor should be applied. If an impurity/degradation product is
overestimated, it may be acceptable not to use a correction factor
HPLC = high-performance liquid chromatography; GC = gas chromatography; CE = capillary electrophoresis;
QL = quantitation limit; DL = detection limit; UV = ultraviolet.
*
We update guidances periodically. To make sure you have the most recent version of a guidance, check the
FDA guidance web page at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents.

Table 4: Example for Elemental Impurities by ICP-OES or ICP-MS

Technique Elemental Impurities by ICP-OES or ICP-MS

Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Spiking of elements into matrix and demonstration of sufficient
Selectivity noninterference and confirmation of accuracy with the presence of
components (e.g., carrier gas, impurities, matrix)

or

Justification through technology/prior knowledge (e.g., specificity of

technology for certain isotopes)

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Technique Elemental Impurities by ICP-OES or ICP-MS

Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Precision Repeatability:
Replicate measurements with 3 times 3 levels across the reportable range
or 6 times at 100% level, considering signals of interest
Intermediate precision:
e.g., different days, environmental conditions, analysts, equipment
Accuracy Spiking studies with impurities
or
Comparison of impurity profiles with an orthogonal procedure
Reportable range Validation of working range:

Linearity: Dilution of the analytes of interest over the expected working

range, at least 5 points, can be combined with multilevel accuracy
experiment

Validation of lower range: QL, DL through a selected methodology

Robustness and Deliberate variation of parameters and stability of test conditions, e.g.,
other
considerations Sample digestion technique and preparation, nebulizer and sheath flow
(performed as settings, plasma settings
part of analytical
procedure
development as
per International
Council for
Harmonisation
guidance for
industry Q14
Analytical
Procedure
Development)
ICP-OES = inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy; ICP-MS = inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry; QL = quantitation limit; DL = detection limit.

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Table 5: Example for Dissolution With HPLC as Product Performance Test for an
Immediate Release Dosage Form

Technique Dissolution With HPLC as Product Performance Test for an

Immediate Release Dosage Form
Performance Demonstration of Performance Validation Testing Methodology
Characteristic of Dissolution Step Typically demonstrated with final
Typically demonstrated with procedure
development data
Specificity/ Discriminatory power: Absence of interference:
Selectivity Demonstration of the Demonstration of noninterference
discriminatory power to with excipients and dissolution media
differentiate between batches likely to impact the quantitation of
manufactured with different critical the main analyte
process parameters and/or critical
material attributes, which may
have an impact on the
bioavailability (performed as part
of development of dissolution step)
Precision Repeatability and intermediate Repeatability and intermediate
precision: precision:
Understanding of variability by Demonstration with a homogeneous
performing, e.g., vessel-to-vessel sample from one dissolved tablet,
repeatability studies or e.g., several samples drawn from the
intermediate precision studies same vessel, after analyte in sample
(operators, equipment) has been fully dissolved
Note: The study provides a
combined assessment of variability
of product quality and product
dissolution performance in
addition to the variability of the
quantitative procedure
Accuracy (Not applicable for dissolution Spiking study:
step) Add known amounts of the reference
material to the dissolution vessel
containing excipient mixture in
dissolution media and calculate
recovery within defined working
range

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Technique Dissolution With HPLC as Product Performance Test for an

Immediate Release Dosage Form
Performance Demonstration of Performance Validation Testing Methodology
Characteristic of Dissolution Step Typically demonstrated with final
Typically demonstrated with procedure
development data
Reportable (Not applicable for dissolution Validation of calibration model
range step) across the range

Linearity:
Demonstrate linearity from sample
concentrations (as presented to
quantitative measurement) in the
range of Q - 45% of the lowest
strength up to 130% of the highest
strength, for one point specification,
and in the range of QL up to 130% of
the highest strength, for multiple
point specification
If lower concentration ranges are
expected to be close to QL:

Validation of lower range limits, see

separation techniques
Robustness and Justification of the selection of the Deliberate variation of parameters of
other dissolution procedure parameters, the quantitative procedure, see
considerations e.g., medium buffer composition, separation technique
(performed as surfactant concentration, use of
part of sinkers, pH, deaeration, volume,
analytical agitation rate, sampling time
procedure
development as
per
International
Council for
Harmonisation
guidance for
industry Q14
Analytical
Procedure
Development)
HPLC = high-performance liquid chromatography; QL = quantitation limit.

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Table 6: Example for Quantitative 1H-NMR for the Assay of a Drug Substance

Technique Quantitative 1H-NMR (Internal Standard Method) for the Assay of a

Drug Substance
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Absence of interference:
Selectivity Select a signal which is representative for the analyte and does not show
interference with potential baseline artifacts, residual water or solvent
signals, related structure impurities or other impurities, internal
standards, nontarget major component, or potential isomers/forms
Precision Repeatability:
Replicate measurements of at least 6 independent preparations at 100%
level

Intermediate Precision:
Not necessary to be conducted on target analyte (justified by technology
principle, as typically verified through instrument calibration with a
standard sample)
Accuracy Reference material comparison:
Confirm with sample of known purity

Reportable range Validation tests are typically not necessary because the integral areas are
usually directly proportional to the amount (mole) of reference material
and analyte (technology-inherent justification)

Robustness and Deliberate variation of parameters, e.g.,

other Temperature, concentration, field (shim), tuning and matching of the
considerations NMR probe, solution stability
(performed as
part of analytical
procedure
development as
per International
Council for
Harmonisation
guidance for
industry Q14
Analytical
Procedure
Development)
1
H-NMR = hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance.

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Table 7: Example for Biological Assays

Technique Binding Assay (e.g., ELISA, SPR) or Cell-Based Assay for

Determination of Potency Relative to a Reference
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Absence of interference:
Selectivity Dose-response curve fulfills the response criteria demonstrating the
similarity of the analyte and reference material, as well as noninterfering
signal from the matrix (for binding assay), or no dose response from the
cell line alone (for cell-based assay)

Demonstration of stability-indicating properties through appropriate

forced degradation samples if necessary

Precision Repeatability:
Repeated sample analysis on a single day or within a short interval of
time covering the reportable range of the analytical procedure (at least 3
replicates over at least 5 levels)

Intermediate Precision: Different analysts, multiple independent

preparations over multiple days at multiple potency levels through the
analytical procedure’s reportable range, inclusive of normal laboratory
variation

Accuracy Reference material comparison:

Assess recovery versus theoretical activity for multiple (at least 3)
independent preparations at multiple (at least 5) levels through the
analytical procedure’s reportable range

Reportable range Validation of range, including lower and higher range limits:
The lowest to highest relative potency levels that meet accuracy,
precision, and response criteria, determined over at least 5 potency levels

Robustness and Deliberate variation of parameters, e.g.,

other Plate type, buffer components, incubation times, incubation conditions,
considerations instruments, reaction times, reagent lots including controls
(performed as
part of analytical For binding assay procedures: coating proteins, capture/detection
procedure antibody
development as
per International For cell-based assay procedures: cell density, effector/target cell ratio,
Council for cell generation number
Harmonisation
guidance for
industry Q14
Analytical
Procedure
Development)
ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; SPR = surface plasmon resonance.

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Table 8: Example for Quantitative PCR

Technique Quantitative PCR (quantitative analysis of impurities in drug

substances or products)
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/Selectivity Orthogonal Procedure Comparison:
Test reaction specificity by gel electrophoresis, melting profile, or
DNA sequencing

Absence of interference:
Positive template, no-reverse transcription control for RT-qPCR
and no template control. Test primer and probe target specificity
against gene bank with sequence similarity search program (e.g.,
nucleotide BLAST). Evaluate the slope of standard curve for
efficiency
Precision Repeatability:
Independent preparations of 5 positive control levels evenly
distributed along the standard curve and assayed in triplicate within
a single assay assessment. The results can be compared using (CV)
Intermediate precision:
At least 3 replicates per run at each positive control level in at least
6 runs over 2 or more days
Accuracy Spiking Study:
Test (e.g., n=6) replicates at 3 to 5 template spike levels from the
standard curve concentrations

Efficiency/consistency of RNA/DNA extraction method should be

accounted for
Reportable range Linearity:
Working range should cover at least 5 to 6 log to the base 10
concentration values. Correlation coefficients or standard
deviations should be calculated through the entire dynamic range
Validation of lower working range limits based on the calibration
curve:
DL defined by template spiking in samples or from standard curves.
DL is lowest point meeting the response curve parameters

QL demonstrated through showing sufficient recovery and

acceptable CVs from the accuracy experiment

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Technique Quantitative PCR (quantitative analysis of impurities in drug

substances or products)
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Robustness and other Deliberate variation of parameters, e.g.,
considerations Equipment, master mix composition (concentrations of salts,
(performed as part of dNTPs, adjuvants), master mix lots, reaction volume, probe and
analytical procedure primer concentrations, thermal cycling parameters
development as per
International Council
for Harmonisation
guidance for industry
Q14 Analytical
Procedure
Development)
qPCR = quantitative polymerase chain reaction; RT-qPCR = reverse transcription qPCR; CV = coefficient of
variation; DL = detection limit; QL = quantitation limit; dNTPs = deoxynucleotide triphosphate.

Table 9: Example for Particle Size Measurement

Technique Particle Size Measurement

(Dynamic Light Scattering; Laser Diffraction Measurement) as a
Property Test
Performance Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Absence of interference:
Selectivity
Evaluate blank and sample to determine the appropriateness of the
equipment settings and sample preparation
Precision Repeatability:
Test at least 6 replicates using established analytical procedure
parameters at target range

Intermediate precision:
Analysis performed on different days, environmental conditions,
analysts, equipment setup

Accuracy Technology-inherent justification:

Confirmed by an appropriate instrument qualification

or

Orthogonal procedure comparison:

Qualitative comparison using a different technique, like optical
microscopy, to confirm results
Reportable range Technology specific justification, e.g., particle size range covered
Robustness and Deliberate variation of parameters, e.g.,
other Evaluation of expected size ranges for the intended use of the analytical
considerations procedure

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 Contains Nonbinding Recommendations

(performed as part
of analytical Dispersion stability for liquid dispersions (stability over potential
procedure analysis time, stir rate, dispersion energy equilibration or stir time
development as before measurement)
per International
Council for Dispersion stability for dry dispersions (sample amount, measurement
Harmonisation time, air pressure and feed rate)
guidance for
industry Q14 Obscuration range (establish optimum percentage of laser obscuration)
Analytical Ultrasound time/percentage for sample, if applicable
Procedure
Development)

Table 10: Example for NIR Analytical Procedure

Technique NIR Analytical Procedure for Core Tablet Assay

Performance
Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Absence of interference:
Selectivity
Comparison of drug substance spectrum and the loading plots of the
model

Rejection of outliers (e.g., excipient, analogues) not covered by the

multivariate procedure
Precision Repeatability:
Repeated analysis with removal of sample from the holder between
measurements
Accuracy Comparison with an orthogonal procedure:
Demonstration across the range through comparison of the predicted
and reference values using an appropriate number of determinations
and concentration levels (e.g., 5 concentrations, 3 replicates)

Accuracy is typically reported as the standard error of prediction (SEP

or RMSEP)
Reportable range Response:
Demonstration of the relationship between predicted and reference
values

Error (accuracy) across the range:

Information on how the analytical procedure error (accuracy) changes
across the calibration range, e.g., by plotting the residuals of the model
prediction versus the actual data
Robustness and Deliberate variation of parameters, e.g.,
other Chemical and physical factors that can impact NIR spectrum and
considerations model prediction should be represented in data sets. Examples include
(performed as part various sources of drug substance and excipients, water content, tablet
of analytical hardness, and orientation in the holder

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Technique NIR Analytical Procedure for Core Tablet Assay

Performance
Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
procedure
development as Note: NIR measurements are sensitive to changes in tablet composition
per International and properties outside variation present in the calibration set
Council for
Harmonisation
guidance for
industry Q14
Analytical
Procedure
Development)
NIR = near infrared; SEP = square error of prediction; RMSEP = root mean square error of prediction.

Table 11: Example for Quantitative LC/MS

Technique Quantitative LC/MS Analysis of Trace Impurities in Product

Performance
Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Specificity/ Technology-inherent justification:
Selectivity Inferred through use of specific and selective MS detection (e.g., MRM
transition with specified quantitative to qualitative ion ratio, accurate
m/z value) in combination with retention time, consider potential for
isotopes

or

Absence of interference from other components in sample matrix

or

Comparison of impurity profiles determined by an orthogonal analytical

procedure
Precision Repeatability
Measurement of a minimum of 3 replicates at each of at least 3 spiking
levels or a minimum of 6 replicates at 100%

Intermediate precision
Comparison of measurements of the same samples performed in the
same laboratory but under varying conditions (e.g., different LC/MS
systems, different analysts, different days)
Accuracy Spiking study:
Acceptable recovery of spiked impurity standards in sample matrix at
multiple spiking levels

or

Comparison of the results to the true values obtained from an orthogonal

procedure

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 Contains Nonbinding Recommendations

Technique Quantitative LC/MS Analysis of Trace Impurities in Product

Performance
Validation Study Methodology
Characteristic
Reportable range Validation of calibration model across the range:

Linearity: Experimental demonstration of the linear relationship

between analyte concentrations and peak responses (or the ratio of peak
response if an internal standard was used) with reference materials at 5
or more concentration levels

Validation of lower range limits:

DL: Use the CV of responses at the spiking level (with 6 or more

repeated injections) as a measure of signal-to-noise. The CV obtained
must be less than or equal to a predefined acceptable value

QL: The lowest spiking level with acceptable accuracy and precision

The range extends from and is inclusive of the QL to the highest spiking
level with acceptable accuracy, precision, and response
Robustness and Deliberate variation of parameters, e.g.,
other LC flow rate, LC injection volume, MS drying/desolvation temperature,
considerations MS gas flow, mass accuracy, MS collision energy, stability of test
(performed as part conditions
of analytical
procedure
development as
per International
Council for
Harmonisation
guidance for
industry Q14
Analytical
Procedure
Development)
LC/MS = liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; MRM = multiple reaction monitoring; CV = coefficient of
variation.

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