Sterile Manufacturing Area Audit Checklist

Sterile manufacturing audits verify the integrity of aseptic processing controls that protect patients from microbial contamination in parenteral products. This audit covers EU GMP Annex 1 (2022 revision), FDA Aseptic Processing Guidance, and USP <797> requirements.

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences
Frequency: Quarterly / Pre-Regulatory Inspection
Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
Role: QA Manager / Validation Engineer
Total Items: 32
Compliance: EU GMP Annex 1 Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products (2022 Revision), FDA Guidance for Industry Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing, USP 797 Pharmaceutical Compounding Sterile Preparations, ISO 14644-1 Classification of Air Cleanliness by Particle Concentration, PIC/S PE 009 Sterile Products Supplement

Cleanroom Classification and Environmental Monitoring

Verify cleanroom classification and environmental monitoring program.

Cleanroom requalification (particle count, air changes, HEPA testing) current per schedule?
Continuous particle monitoring operational in Grade A zone with alarm limits?
Environmental monitoring schedule current - all locations sampled on schedule?
EM results trended - no upward trend toward alert/action limits?
Pressure differential cascade maintained (Grade A > Grade B > Grade C > Grade D)?
Temperature and humidity monitored continuously with alarms?

Personnel Aseptic Technique and Gowning

Assess personnel qualification and aseptic practices.

All personnel in sterile area have current gowning qualification?
Personnel observed gowning correctly without contaminating the gown exterior?
Personnel demonstrating proper aseptic technique in Grade A zone?
Number of interventions into Grade A zone minimized and justified?
First air principle maintained - no obstruction between HEPA filter and critical surfaces?

Equipment and Sterilization

Verify sterilization validation and equipment integrity.

Autoclave cycle validation current and within revalidation schedule?
Biological indicator (BI) testing performed per autoclave cycle schedule?
Sterilizing filters integrity tested pre- and post-use?
Depyrogenation oven validation current and cycle parameters documented?
Filling machine cleaned, sterilized, and set up documented?

Media Fill Readiness

Assess readiness for aseptic process simulation (media fill).

Media fill schedule current - semiannual per operator per product type?
Most recent media fill passed with zero contamination units?
All operators in sterile area have passing media fill qualification?
No unresolved media fill failures in current qualification period?
Media fill protocols and reports approved and in quality system?

Water Systems and Utilities

Verify purified water and WFI system compliance.

Water for Injection (WFI) sampling per USP <1231> schedule?
Purified water sampling per schedule and within specification?
WFI distribution loop maintained at 80°C or ambient with sanitization schedule?
Water system results trended with no upward bioburden trends?
Compressed gas quality tested per schedule (N2, CO2, compressed air)?

Documentation and Change Control

Verify documentation and change control compliance.

All SOPs in sterile area current and within review date?
No unapproved changes to sterile processing equipment or procedures?
All open deviations within target closure timeframe?
Annual product quality review (APQR) current?
Previous audit findings closed and verified effective?
Process consistent with approved regulatory submissions (NDA/BLA/MAA)?

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Why Use This Sterile Manufacturing Area Audit Checklist?

This sterile manufacturing area audit checklist helps pharmaceutical & life sciences teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for qa manager / validation engineer professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly / pre-regulatory inspection.

Ensures compliance with EU GMP Annex 1 Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products (2022 Revision), FDA Guidance for Industry Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing, USP 797 Pharmaceutical Compounding Sterile Preparations, ISO 14644-1 Classification of Air Cleanliness by Particle Concentration, PIC/S PE 009 Sterile Products Supplement. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Sterile Manufacturing Area Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Cleanroom Classification and Environmental Monitoring, Personnel Aseptic Technique and Gowning, Equipment and Sterilization, Media Fill Readiness, Water Systems and Utilities, Documentation and Change Control. It is designed for pharmaceutical & life sciences operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly / pre-regulatory inspection. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Sterile Manufacturing Area Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for QA Manager / Validation Engineer professionals in the pharmaceutical & life sciences industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.