Dynamic Pass Box OQ in Pharmaceuticals: Complete GMP Guide

Objectives of Dynamic Pass Box OQ Operational Qualification

The primary objective of Dynamic Pass Box OQ Operational Qualification is to verify that the equipment operates consistently, safely, and according to its intended design under normal operating conditions. During Operational Qualification, the Dynamic Pass Box is tested repeatedly to ensure that all critical functions perform reliably and consistently while meeting predefined acceptance criteria.

The specific objectives of Dynamic Pass Box OQ include:

  • To verify the operational performance of the Dynamic Pass Box by confirming that it functions as intended during routine operation and consistently delivers reliable results.
  • To ensure compliance with design specifications and user requirements by demonstrating that the equipment meets the approved User Requirement Specification (URS), manufacturer’s recommendations, and predefined acceptance criteria.
  • To confirm compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) by verifying that the equipment operates in accordance with applicable pharmaceutical quality and regulatory requirements.
  • To evaluate all critical operational features such as the HEPA filtration system, motor blower, UV light, LED lighting, door interlocking system, OLED display, alarm functions, and control switches to ensure they perform correctly.
  • To verify startup, shutdown, and cleaning procedures so that the equipment can be operated safely, efficiently, and consistently by production personnel following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • To assess built-in safety features including door interlocking, alarm systems, electrical safety, and other protective functions that help prevent contamination, cross-contamination, and operational errors.
  • To provide documented evidence that the Dynamic Pass Box is qualified for routine pharmaceutical operations and is ready to proceed to the Performance Qualification (PQ) stage.

Scope of Dynamic Pass Box OQ

This Operational Qualification (OQ) Protocol applies to the Dynamic Pass Box installed between the Material Receiving Area and the Sampling Area of the Hormone Section. It defines the qualification methodology, testing procedures, documentation requirements, and acceptance criteria used to verify the equipment’s operational performance.

Successful completion of the Operational Qualification confirms that the Dynamic Pass Box operates as intended and is suitable to proceed to Performance Qualification (PQ).

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Pre Approval Of Documents

Prepared by

DesignationNameDateSignature
Executive/Officer QA   

Reviewed By

DesignationNameDateSignature
Head Engineering   
Head Production   

Approved by

DesignationNameDateSignature
Head QA   

Supply needs before performing OQ:

DescriptionSpecification
Make 
Model 
Serial no 
Control system220 volts, Single phase power supply

Brief Process Description for Dynamic Pass Box OQ

A Dynamic Pass Box (DPB) is used to safely transfer materials between cleanrooms of different cleanliness grades or between a cleanroom and a non-clean area without compromising the controlled environment. It is equipped with a HEPA filtration system, UV light, and an electromagnetic door interlocking system to minimize the risk of contamination and cross-contamination during material transfer.

The Dynamic Pass Box operates on the principle of continuous clean airflow. A centrifugal blower draws air through a HEPA filter, which removes airborne particles before supplying clean air into the pass box chamber. This filtered airflow creates a clean environment inside the chamber, helping to maintain product quality and cleanroom integrity.

For safe operation, the pass box is designed with an interlocking mechanism that allows only one door to open at a time. When one door is open, the opposite door remains locked, preventing direct air exchange between the two connected areas.

After the material is placed inside the chamber and the door is closed, the UV light is activated to reduce the microbial load on the material surface. Once the UV exposure cycle is complete, the material can be safely removed from the opposite side of the pass box.

ParameterSpecification
MakeAs per approved manufacturer
ModelAs per GMP-approved model
Cleanliness ClassISO Class 5 (ISO 14644-1:1999(E)) / Class 100 (U.S. FED STD. 209E)
Overall Dimensions1040 (W) × 1020 (D) × 1200 (H) mm
Working Chamber Dimensions800 (W) × 800 (D) × 800 (H) mm
Pass Box TypeThree-way opening Dynamic Pass Box
ConstructionStainless Steel (SS 304)
Power Supply230 V AC, Single Phase, 50/60 Hz

Main Components

The Dynamic Pass Box is equipped with the following key components:

  • Main cabinet
  • HEPA filter
  • Pre-filter
  • Fresh air filter
  • Motor blower
  • Magnehelic gauge
  • Atmospheric nozzle
  • PAO test port
  • Electromagnetic interlocking controller with OLED display
  • LED light with protective grill
  • UV light with protective grill
  • Power supply plug
  • Permanent magnetic door locking system

These components work together to provide efficient air filtration, controlled airflow, reliable door interlocking, and effective contamination control during material transfer.

ComponentSpecification
Pre FilterQuantity: 1 No.; Size: 810 × 260 × 50 mm; Rating: EU-4; Efficiency: 90% down to 5 µm; Aluminum frame; Flange type
HEPA FilterQuantity: 1 No.; Size: 610 × 610 × 69 mm; Rating: EU-14; Efficiency: 99.997% at 0.3 µm; Aluminum extrusion frame; Mini Pleat Box Type
Fresh Air FilterQuantity: 1 No.; Size: 200 × 200 × 50 mm; Rating: EU-4; Efficiency: 90% down to 5 µm; Aluminum frame; Box type
Motor BlowerQuantity: 1 No.; Rated Power: 300 W; Rated Speed: 2050 RPM; Single Phase
Magnehelic GaugeQuantity: 1 No.; Make: Omicron; Range: 0–50 mm WC
UV LightQuantity: 1 No.; Size: 1.5 ft.; Power: 15 W
LED LightQuantity: 2 Nos.; Size: 2 ft.; Power: 10 W each
On/Off SwitchesUsed to operate the blower, UV light, and LED light
PAO Upstream PortUsed for upstream aerosol introduction during HEPA filter integrity testing

Utility Required for Pass Box Operational Qualification

Utility ParameterSpecification
Voltage230 V AC ± 5%
Frequency50 Hz ± 2%
Electrical Connection3-Wire
Power SupplySingle Phase (1 Phase, 1 Neutral, 1 Earthing)

Note: Verify that the electrical supply complies with these requirements before initiating the Operational Qualification to ensure accurate test results and reliable equipment performance.

Functional Description: –

DescriptionFunction
SwitchTo Switch On/Off  UV Light, LED Light & Motor Blower
OLED DisplayOLED Display with Door Release Switches to open the door. OLED Display showing “DOOR CLOSE” when all the doors are locked &“WAIT” when any of the doors is open. OLED Display with Hour Meter Monitoring.
Electromagnetic Lock with Interlocking SystemsIn normal condition all the doors are in close condition. If one side door is open, another side door should not be opened. If Door continually opens for preset time, then beep/ alarm starts.
Setting SwitchTo set or reset UV Light Hour Meters & Door Lock time.
UV LightTo Remove Bacterial Contamination.
LEDLightTo provide required LUX Level in the Working Area.
Magnehelic GaugeMagnehelic Gauge to Monitor Differential Pressure across HEPA Filter.
Permanent MagnetTo Keep the Door Lock during Power Failure.
Function of Motor BlowerTo supply designed Air Flow for supply.
Function of Atmosphere NozzleTo connect low pressure probe of Pressure Gauge to ambient.
Function of PAO PortFor charging aerosol at up stream of HEPA Filter for Filter Integrity Test.

Acceptance Criteria:

All switches shall be working properly as per their operation as defined in functional description

System/ Equipment/ Instruments shall be operate as defined in the standard operating procedure, if differ then record deviation.

Operation shall be smooth and there should not be any abnormal sound/ noise.

Dynamic Pass Box OQ procedure: –

General Prequisite

  • The Operational Qualification status of the Dynamic pass box shall be checked and the execution shall be started only after completion of Installation Qualification report.
  • Availability of calibration certificates of all the attached instruments shall be checked.
  • The power supply and connected utility shall be checked before starting Operational Qualification.
  • The operating functions of control panel switches and buttons shall be checked.
  • No Deviation observed during Operation Qualification.

Ensure electrical supply to Dynamic Pass Box is proper.

When both the doors are locked UV Light is ON.UV, LED light & Motor Blower can also be switched on/Off  manually when the Doors are locked.

Press “GO”Switch for door opening & place the material inside the pass box and close the door. When any of the doors is open Motor Blower & LED Light gets on automatically.

In case the door is in opened form or more than10 seconds, audio alarm gets activated.

After closing the door UV Light will get “ON”& LED Light & Motor Blower gets OFF”.

After placing the material inside the Pass Box, user can take material from other side for use.

Results:

Record the results in below table.

Component DescriptionAcceptance CriteriaObservations (Ok/Not Ok)Observed By (Sign & date)Remarks (If any)
OLED DisplayOLED Display showing Door Close/Open Status   
AF SwitchMotor Blower shall be Switched On/Off  by pressing key   
LEDLight SwitchLED Light shall be switched On/Off  by pressing key   
UV Light SwitchUV Light shall be switched On/Off  by pressing key   
SettingSwitchUV Hours Meter & Door Lock time shall be Set/Reset by Pressing the Setting switch   
Permanent MagnetDoor shall be Locked When Closed during Power Failure   

Safety Feature & Alarm in Dynamic Pass Box Operational Qualification

Safety featureFunctionIdentified by/Date
Electrical InsulationSafety 
EarthingTo avoid the shock 

Post Approval of Documents

Prepared by

DesignationNameDateSignature
Executive/Officer QA   

Reviewed By

DesignationNameDateSignature
Head Engineering   
Head Production   

Approved by

DesignationNameDateSignature
Head QA   

Acronym Used

OQOperational Qualification
DPBDynamic Pass box
WHWarehouse
QAQuality Assurance
URSUser Required Specification
UVUltra Violet
HEPAHigh Efficiency Particulate Air
SSStainless Steel
MCBMiniature Circuit Board
ISOIndian Standardized Organisation
cGMPCurrent Manufacturing practices
MMMillimetre
PAOPoly Alpha Olefin
OLEDOrganic Light Emitting Diode
VVoltage
ACAlternate Current
MOCMaterial of construction
µMicron
RPMRevolution per minute
WCWater Column
WWatt
Amp.Ampere

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Dynamic Pass Box OQ

Q-1. What is Dynamic Pass Box Operational Qualification (OQ)?

Answer: Dynamic Pass Box Operational Qualification (OQ) is the documented process of verifying that a dynamic pass box operates correctly under normal working conditions.

Q-2. Why is Operational Qualification (OQ) important for a Dynamic Pass Box?

Answer: OQ is important because it proves that the pass box functions correctly before it is used in routine pharmaceutical operations.

Q-3. Can OQ be performed before Installation Qualification (IQ)?

Answer: No. Operational Qualification should only begin after Installation Qualification has been completed successfully.

Q-4. How often should a Dynamic Pass Box be requalified?

Answer: There is no single fixed interval. Requalification is commonly performed at scheduled intervals defined or whenever major repairs, modifications, relocation.

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