PDA Technical Glossary
PDA Technical Reports are highly valued membership benefits because they offer expert guidance and opinions on important scientific and regulatory topics and are used as essential references by industry and regulatory authorities around the world. These reports include terms which explain the material and enhance the reader’s understanding.
The database presented here includes the glossary terms from all current technical reports. The database is searchable by keyword, topic, or by technical report. Each definition provided includes a link to the source technical report within the PDA Technical Report Portal.
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Matrix
The combination of materials (e.g., excipients, stabilizer components, etc.) which are components together with the measured analyte. (TR57)
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Matrix Effect
The direct or indirect alteration or interference in response due to the presence of additional sample components due to sample preparation (for analysis) or other interfering substances in the sample (product related excipients or residuals). (TR57) (TR57-2)
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Method Comparability
The demonstration of analytical method comparability (AMC) for method replacements. A study to demonstrate that a modification to an existing method either improves or does not significantly change the analytical procedure’s characteristics relative to the methods’ validation and intended use. (TR57)
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Method Development
A process that involves the selection, optimization, and qualification of a physical/chemical, biological, molecular, or microbiological test procedure. (TR57)
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Method Qualification
Formal or informal study performed to assess initial method performance prior to full ICH Q2 (R1) validation; assessment activity that culminates in a scientifically sound method that has an acceptable level of performance and is documented to be suitable for its intended use. (TR56)
Experimental studies performed to confirm the inherent performance capabilities of a test method for the material being analyzed and the intended use of the method. Method qualification can be performed during early development phases, prior to method validation. Specific method qualification characteristics (e.g., accuracy, specificity) should be confirmed based on the intended use of the analytical method and the relevant risk(s). (TR57)
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Method Validation
A formal, archived demonstration of the analytical capacity of an assay that provides justification for use of the assay for an intended purpose. (TR56)
A formal, archived demonstration of the analytical capacity of an assay that provides justification for use of the assay for an intended purpose. Validations are conducted prospectively according to a written, approved plan that states acceptance criteria. (TR57) (TR57-2)
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Method, Qualitative
An analytical procedure, based on the characteristics of a material that yields results that are not amenable to reliable enumeration. (TR57)
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Method, Quantitative
An analytical procedure that yields numerical results compared to quantitative specification(s). (TR57)