Corrective and Preventive Action – Medical Device GMP

21 CFR 820 Subpart J is a section of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21 that specifically addresses Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) requirements for medical device manufacturers. This subpart outlines the regulatory requirements for addressing and correcting quality issues in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of medical devices.

Here is an overview of the key elements of Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA):

• General Requirements: This section outlines the overall requirements for corrective and preventive action. It establishes that manufacturers must establish and maintain procedures for implementing corrective and preventive actions.

• Corrective Action: Manufacturers must investigate and take appropriate corrective actions in response to non-conformities and other quality problems. Corrective actions must be documented, including the investigation, actions taken, and verification of the effectiveness of those actions.

• Preventive Action: Manufacturers must establish and implement procedures for identifying and preventing potential quality problems. Preventive actions should be based on the analysis of data and must be documented.

• Analysis of Data: Manufacturers are required to analyze quality data to identify existing and potential causes of nonconforming products or other quality problems. This analysis should be used to implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Documenting CAPA Activities: All CAPA activities, including investigations, actions taken, and their results, must be documented. This documentation should be maintained in a CAPA file or similar record-keeping system.

• Effective Implementation: Manufacturers must ensure that corrective and preventive actions are effectively implemented. This includes verifying the effectiveness of these actions.

• Verification and Validation: Manufacturers should validate or verify the corrective and preventive actions to ensure that they do not adversely affect the finished device.

• Recordkeeping: All records related to CAPA activities must be maintained for a specified period (usually two years) and be readily available for inspection by regulatory authorities.

• Complaint Files: Manufacturers are required to establish and maintain complaint files. Complaints related to device quality should be evaluated and, if necessary, result in corrective and preventive actions.

It's important for medical device manufacturers to comply with the regulations outlined in 21 CFR 820 Subpart J to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products and to meet the regulatory requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Violations of these regulations can lead to regulatory actions, including warning letters, recalls, and other enforcement measures. Manufacturers are encouraged to stay updated on any revisions or changes to these regulations, as regulatory requirements can evolve over time.