Meaning
Quality assurance protocol involving the formal review of laboratory results provided by a supplier against the defined technical standards of a buyer. Conducting a certificate of analysis verification ensures that every incoming lot of raw material or finished product meets the chemical, physical, thermal and microbiological criteria specified in the supply contract. This check prevents the introduction of non-conforming materials into the production line.
Testing Protocol
Internal labs or third party facilities perform redundant tests to confirm the data reported by the vendor. This verification process typically focuses on the most volatile or critical parameters identified during the initial material qualification. Random sampling provides the material for these tests, ensuring the results are representative of the entire delivery.
Lot Acceptance
Successful comparison of the vendor data with internal test results triggers the release of the material for use. If the values fall outside the acceptable range, the lot is quarantined and a non-conformance report is issued. This step is a prerequisite for moving from a prototype phase to a sustained production run.
Deviation Cost
Accepting a batch that has not undergone this check can lead to total production failure. The cost of calling a verification successful without actual testing is the loss of a manufacturing campaign.