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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- TR 57: Analytical Method Validation (4)
- TR 54: QRM:Manufacturing Operations (1)
- TR 55: TBA/TCA Detection Mitigation (1)
- TR 56: Phase Appropriate cGMP Application (1)
- TR 58: Temp Controlled Distribution (1)
- TR 67: Objectionable Microorganisms (1)
- TR 88: Microbial Data Deviation Investigations in the Pharmaceutical Industry (1)
- TR 30: Parametric Release (1)
- TR 60-2: Process Validation: A Lifecycle Approach, Annex 1: Oral Solid Dosage/Semisolid Dosage Forms (1)
- TR 44: QRM: Aseptic Processes (1)
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Accelerated Stability Testing
Studies designed to increase the rate of chemical degradation or physical change of a drug substance or drug product by using exaggerated storage conditions as part of the formal stability studies. (TR57-2)
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Bias
A systematic difference in a method that manifests itself as a deviation of the method mean from an expected value. (TR57) Total systematic error, in contrast to random error. Measurement centered on the true result is said to be unbiased or have no systematic error. The distance between the center of a large (infinite) number of measurements and the correct value is the bias. (TR 57-2)
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Characterization Method
Scientifically sound method of a generally complex nature that is used for nonroutine assessment of specific biochemical, chemical, physicochemical, immunochemical, microbiological, and biological characteristics or inherent properties of a compound. (TR 57-2)
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Comparative Transfer
Transfer of a method that involves the analysis of a predetermined number of samples of the same lot by both the sending and the receiving unit. (TR 57-2)
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In-Process Method (In-Process Control)
Checks performed during production to monitor and, if appropriate, adjust the process to ensure that the intermediate or active pharmaceutical ingredient conforms to its specifications. (TR57-2)
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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 Lifecycle
All stages in the life of a method, from the initial development through marketing, until the method’s discontinuation. (TR57-2)
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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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Platform-Based Method
Existing method based on the same basic principles and steps as a new method that is required and defined in the design/strategy phase; applies to multiple sample types and requires minimal changes or refinements based on specific product requirements. (TR57-2)
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Quality Attribute
A molecular or product characteristic that is selected for its ability to help indicate the quality of the product, such as identity, purity, potency stability and safety. (TR57) (TR57-2)
A molecular or product characteristic that is selected for its ability to indicate the quality of the product. Collectively, the quality attributes define identity, purity, potency, and stability of the product, and safety with respect to adventitious agents. Specifications measure a selected subset of the quality attributes. (TR60-2)
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Risk Assessment
A systematic process of organizing information to support a risk decision to be made within a risk management process. It consists of identification of hazards and the analysis and evaluation of risk associated with exposure to those hazards. (TR30) (TR44) (TR54) (TR58) (TR55) (TR67) (TR57-2) (TR54-5) (TR88)