Why Magnetic rods are used in Cleaning Verification in Pharma

If you see, some regulatory agencies keep strict limits on metal contamination in pharmaceutical products. This is a very good initiative as it improves the quality of the medicines we consume. Prevention of metal contamination at any manufacturing stage is very important in the pharmaceutical industry.

During the processing and cleaning of the manufacturing equipment, there is a chance of metal particle generation from the parts of equipment where movable parts are present, or bolts and nuts are present. While fixing and removing the movable parts, there is a chance of metal particle generation due to the wear and tear of the equipment.

Magnetic rods: These are small hand-held sticks with a magnet embedded in them. and the surface of the magnetic rod is made of high-quality food grade plastic.

Usage Procedure: The magnetic rod is slowly moved along the movable parts of the equipment as well as at places bolts and nuts are fixed slowly to remove any generated metal particles.

If any metal particles are present during cleaning verification of the respective equipment, they will get adhered to the magnetic rod and further actions will be taken.

Metal particle generation impacts the quality and safety of the pharmaceutical products

Importance of Magnetic rod usage in Pharma

• Cross contamination prevention – as during Manufacuring process, metal particle sometimes originates from equipment wear and tear and can have impact on product quality which can be identified using magnetic rod.
• Quality assurance: Using of magnetic rod ensures, the equipment is free from metallic contaminants before processing of next batch.
• Regulatory compliance: usage of magnetic rods ensures cleaning process adopted are effective and safe.