60+ Micro Labs Interview Questions and Answers

The specification limit for known and unknown impurities varies depending on the specific substance being tested.

• The specification limit for known impurities is typically set by regulatory agencies or pharmacopoeias.

• For example, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) sets limits for known impurities in pharmaceutical substances.

• The specification limit for unknown impurities is usually determined through method validation studies.

• These studies involve analyzing samples of the su...read more

The Ich limit for methanol is 0.6% and it is classified as a class 3 solvent.

• The Ich limit for methanol refers to the maximum allowable amount of methanol in a pharmaceutical product.

• The Ich limit for methanol is set at 0.6%, meaning that the concentration of methanol should not exceed 0.6% in the product.

• Methanol is classified as a class 3 solvent according to the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH).

• Class ...read more

I would prioritize the compression machines based on their importance and allocate the technical staff accordingly.

• Assess the importance and urgency of each compression machine

• Determine the workload and complexity of each machine

• Allocate the technical staff based on the priority and workload

• Ensure proper training and supervision for the technical staff

• Implement a system for monitoring and troubleshooting any technical issues

• Consider outsourcing or hiring additional technical ...read more

Improving productivity with quality involves setting clear goals, providing training and resources, fostering a positive work environment, and implementing continuous improvement processes.

• Set clear goals and expectations for employees to ensure they understand what is expected of them.

• Provide training and resources to help employees develop the skills and knowledge needed to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively.

• Foster a positive work environment by promoting teamw...read more

I once failed to meet a project deadline due to poor time management, but learned to prioritize tasks effectively.

• Acknowledge the failure and take responsibility for it

• Reflect on what went wrong and why

• Identify areas for improvement and create a plan to address them

• Implement changes and track progress to ensure success

• Seek feedback from others to learn and grow from the experience

Inprocess check failure of metal detector can be handled by following proper procedures and protocols.

• Immediately stop the production line and isolate the affected product.

• Investigate the cause of the failure and take corrective actions.

• Notify the quality control department and involve them in the investigation.

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the metal detector and ensure it is functioning properly before resuming production.

• Implement preventive measures to avoid similar inc...read more

There are several types of granulation used in production processes.

• There are three main types of granulation: wet granulation, dry granulation, and direct compression.

• Wet granulation involves adding a liquid binder to the powder mixture, which is then dried and screened.

• Dry granulation involves compacting the powder mixture without the use of a liquid binder.

• Direct compression involves compressing the powder mixture into tablets without any additional processing steps.

• Other ...read more

There are several types of ICH guidance documents.

• ICH guidance documents provide recommendations for the development and registration of pharmaceutical products.

• Some types of ICH guidance include guidelines on clinical safety, quality, and efficacy.

• Examples of ICH guidance documents include ICH E6 (Good Clinical Practice), ICH Q1A (Stability Testing), and ICH Q3C (Impurities: Guideline for Residual Solvents).

AWC and CFC are abbreviations used in the Cadmach C300 compression machine.

• AWC stands for Automatic Weight Control, which is a feature that ensures consistent tablet weight during the compression process.

• CFC stands for Compression Force Control, which is a feature that monitors and adjusts the compression force applied during tablet formation.

• Both AWC and CFC contribute to the overall quality and uniformity of the tablets produced by the Cadmach C300 compression machine.

Pharmaceutical machineries are specialized equipment used in the production, packaging, and distribution of pharmaceutical products.

• Pharmaceutical machineries are designed to meet strict regulatory standards for cleanliness, accuracy, and efficiency.

• Examples of pharmaceutical machineries include tablet presses, capsule fillers, blister packaging machines, and liquid filling machines.

• These machineries are essential for ensuring the quality and consistency of pharmaceutical pro...read more

I handle multiple types of sifters depending on the production requirements.

• I handle rotary sifters for fine powders

• I handle vibratory sifters for larger particles

• I handle centrifugal sifters for high-capacity production

• I also handle specialized sifters for specific products such as magnetic sifters for removing metal contaminants

HSMG, RMG, and SMG are abbreviations for different types of manufacturing processes.

• HSMG stands for High-Speed Machining Group, which uses high-speed cutting tools to produce parts quickly and accurately.

• RMG stands for Rapid Manufacturing Group, which uses advanced technologies like 3D printing and CNC machining to produce parts rapidly.

• SMG stands for Standard Manufacturing Group, which uses traditional manufacturing processes like casting and forging to produce parts.

• Each gr...read more

The weight variation limit in IP and USP refers to the acceptable range of weight variation for pharmaceutical products.

• The weight variation limit is specified in the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

• It ensures that the weight of individual dosage units falls within an acceptable range.

• The weight variation limit may vary depending on the type of product and dosage form.

• For example, the IP specifies a weight variation limit of ±5% for tablets ...read more

Improving productivity in manufacturing involves optimizing processes, reducing waste, and investing in technology.

• Analyze current processes and identify areas for improvement

• Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and increase efficiency

• Invest in automation and technology to streamline production

• Provide training and development opportunities for employees to improve skills and knowledge

• Establish clear goals and metrics to track progress and identify areas for...read more

Factors affecting weight variation during compression include formulation, equipment, and process parameters.

• Formulation: particle size, shape, and density, excipient type and concentration

• Equipment: type of tablet press, tooling, and compression force

• Process parameters: compression speed, dwell time, and pre-compression force

• Example: changing the excipient concentration can affect the weight variation of tablets

• Example: using a different type of tooling can affect the weight...read more

Handling unionized manpower requires effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration.

• Establish open communication channels with union representatives

• Negotiate fair and reasonable terms for both parties

• Collaborate with union leaders to address any issues or concerns

• Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations

• Provide opportunities for employee feedback and involvement

• Maintain a positive and respectful work environment

• Resolve conflicts in a timely and professional m...read more

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is a system used to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality in buildings.

• HVAC systems are essential for maintaining comfortable indoor environments in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

• They consist of components such as furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and thermostats.

• HVAC systems can also include ventilation systems to ensure proper air circulation and filtration.

• Regula...read more

HSMG stands for High-Speed Multi-Gigabit and SMG stands for Standard Multi-Gigabit.

• HSMG is a faster version of SMG.

• HSMG can transfer data at a rate of 10 Gbps or higher.

• SMG can transfer data at a rate of 2.5 Gbps or higher.

• HSMG is used in high-performance computing and data centers.

• SMG is used in consumer electronics and networking equipment.

Medical representatives are professionals who promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers.

• Build relationships with healthcare providers

• Promote and educate healthcare providers on pharmaceutical products

• Meet sales targets and goals

• Attend medical conferences and events

• Provide feedback to the company on market trends and competitor activities

To find the second largest element, reverse a string and print the last character, and change the first character of a string.

• To find the second largest element in an array of strings, you can sort the array in descending order and then access the element at index 1.

• To reverse a string, you can iterate through the characters of the string in reverse order and concatenate them to form the reversed string.

• To print the last character of a string, you can access the character at ...read more

Bioequivalence refers to the similarity in the rate and extent of drug absorption between two formulations of the same drug.

• Bioequivalence studies are conducted to ensure generic drugs are as effective as brand-name drugs.

• The FDA requires generic drugs to demonstrate bioequivalence to the original drug.

• Bioequivalence is typically assessed by comparing the pharmacokinetic parameters of the two drug formulations.

• If two drugs are bioequivalent, they are expected to have the same...read more

Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to prevent contamination.

• Sterilization techniques include heat (autoclaving), radiation (UV, gamma), filtration, chemical (ethylene oxide), and dry heat.

• Autoclaving is a common sterilization method using high pressure steam to kill microorganisms.

• UV radiation is used for sterilizing surfaces and air in hospitals.

• Ethylene oxide gas is used for sterilizing medical equipment that ...read more

21 CFR part 11 is a regulation by the FDA that defines the criteria for electronic records and signatures.

• 21 CFR part 11 applies to pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies.

• It requires electronic records to be trustworthy, reliable, and secure.

• It also requires electronic signatures to be legally binding and equivalent to handwritten signatures.

• Examples of electronic records include clinical trial data, manufacturing records, and quality control data.

• Examples of e...read more

The expected salary for a Medical Representative can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company.

• Expected salary range for Medical Representatives is typically between $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

• Factors influencing salary include experience level, geographic location, company size, and performance incentives.

• Additional benefits such as healthcare coverage, bonuses, and travel allowances may also be included in the compensation package.

Filter shock during filtration can be caused by sudden changes in pressure or flow rate, leading to filter damage or failure.

• Immediately stop the filtration process to prevent further damage to the filter

• Inspect the filter for any signs of damage or clogging

• Replace the filter if necessary

• Investigate the root cause of the filter shock to prevent future occurrences

Maintaining various parameters is crucial for smooth product outcome.

• Regular maintenance of equipment and machinery

• Strict adherence to quality control measures

• Effective communication and coordination among team members

• Proper training and skill development of employees

• Continuous monitoring of production process

• Efficient inventory management

• Timely identification and resolution of issues

• Optimization of production processes for maximum efficiency

I use a variety of tools such as project management software, communication tools, and data analysis tools to effectively manage tasks and teams.

• Project management software (e.g. Trello, Asana)

• Communication tools (e.g. Slack, Microsoft Teams)

• Data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, Google Analytics)

FBE stands for Fine Brothers Entertainment, a media company known for creating reaction videos and other online content.

• FBE was founded by brothers Benny and Rafi Fine in 2004.

• The company gained popularity for their 'React' series, where people react to viral videos, memes, and other content.

• FBE also produces other online content, including game shows, scripted series, and podcasts.

• The company has partnerships with major brands and platforms, such as Nickelodeon and YouTube.

• F...read more

Types of motors include AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors, and servo motors.

• AC motors: Alternating current motors commonly used in household appliances and industrial applications.

• DC motors: Direct current motors used in applications such as electric vehicles and robotics.

• Stepper motors: Motors that move in precise increments, commonly used in 3D printers and CNC machines.

• Servo motors: Motors that provide precise control of position and speed, often used in robotics and au...read more

DSA stands for Data Structures and Algorithms. There are numerous data structures and algorithms present in computers.

• DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) are essential components of computer programming

• Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, etc.

• Algorithms like sorting, searching, graph traversal, dynamic programming, etc., are used in computer programs

OEE stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness and is a measure of how effectively equipment is being utilized.

• OEE takes into account three factors: availability, performance, and quality.

• Availability refers to the amount of time the equipment is available for use.

• Performance refers to how efficiently the equipment is running.

• Quality refers to the number of good units produced by the equipment.

• OEE is calculated by multiplying availability, performance, and quality percentages...read more

ICH guidelines provide recommendations for stability testing of pharmaceutical products.

• ICH guidelines outline the minimum requirements for stability testing of drug substances and drug products.

• Stability testing is conducted to ensure that the quality of the product remains within acceptable limits throughout its shelf life.

• The guidelines provide recommendations for testing conditions, testing frequency, and analytical methods.

• ICH guidelines also provide guidance on the eval...read more

I am referred by a friend who currently works at the company.

• Referred by a current employee

• Friend who works at the company recommended me

• Received referral from someone within the organization

Materials are used for various purposes such as construction, manufacturing, packaging, and more.

• Construction - materials like concrete, steel, and wood are used for building structures

• Manufacturing - materials like metals, plastics, and ceramics are used to create products

• Packaging - materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic are used to package goods

• Clothing - materials like cotton, polyester, and wool are used to make clothes

A tablet is a portable computing device that typically has a touchscreen display and is larger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop.

• Tablets are designed for easy portability and use on the go.

• They often have wireless connectivity capabilities.

• Tablets can be used for various purposes such as browsing the internet, watching videos, playing games, and reading e-books.

• Popular tablet brands include Apple's iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Amazon Fire tablets.

Tooling refers to the equipment, machinery, and software used in the production process.

• Tooling includes physical tools such as drills, saws, and molds.

• It also includes machinery like lathes, presses, and CNC machines.

• Software tools like computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are also considered tooling.

• Tooling is essential for efficient and accurate production in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive.

• Examples of...read more

FBP stands for Fixed Budget Procurement. It is a procurement method where a fixed budget is allocated for a project.

• FBP is commonly used in construction projects.

• The budget is fixed and cannot be exceeded.

• The project scope and quality are adjusted to fit within the fixed budget.

• FBP requires careful planning and cost estimation.

• It is important to have a contingency plan in case unexpected costs arise.

Dosage forms are the physical form in which a drug is produced and dispensed for administration to patients.

• Solid dosage forms include tablets, capsules, and powders.

• Liquid dosage forms include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.

• Semi-solid dosage forms include creams, ointments, and gels.

• Other dosage forms include patches, inhalers, and suppositories.

I know the referrer person through a mutual friend who recommended me for the position.

• I was referred by a mutual friend who works at the company

• The referrer person and I have known each other for several years

• I met the referrer person at a previous job and we stayed in touch

Operational excellence is the continuous improvement of processes and systems to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

• It involves identifying and eliminating waste and inefficiencies in processes

• It focuses on improving quality, reducing costs, and increasing productivity

• It requires a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement

• Examples include Lean Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, and Kaizen

• Operational excellence can lead to increased customer satisfa...read more

A fluid bed dryer is a type of equipment used for drying powders or granules by fluidizing them with hot air.

• Uses hot air to fluidize and dry powders or granules

• Provides efficient and uniform drying

• Commonly used in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. A chiller is a machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle.

• HVAC is a system used for heating, cooling, and ventilation in buildings.

• Chillers are used in HVAC systems to cool water or other fluids for air conditioning.

• Chillers can be air-cooled or water-cooled, and they come in various sizes depending on the cooling capacity needed.

A chilled water coil is a heat exchanger used in HVAC systems to cool air by passing chilled water through a coil.

• Chilled water coils are typically made of copper or aluminum tubing with fins to increase surface area for heat transfer.

• They are commonly used in air handling units, fan coil units, and chilled beam systems.

• Chilled water coils work by transferring heat from the air to the chilled water flowing through the coil.

• The chilled water is typically supplied from a chille...read more

Flow of change control refers to the process of managing changes to a project or system.

• Change requests are submitted and reviewed by a change control board

• The board evaluates the impact of the change and decides whether to approve or reject it

• If approved, the change is implemented and tested

• Documentation is updated to reflect the change

• The change control process ensures that changes are made in a controlled and systematic manner

Adverse events of drugs refer to negative effects experienced by patients after taking medication.

• Adverse events can range from mild side effects like nausea or dizziness to severe reactions like anaphylaxis or organ damage.

• Common adverse events include headache, fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, and allergic reactions.

• Some drugs have specific adverse events associated with them, such as muscle pain with statins or liver toxicity with acetaminophen.

• Monitoring and reporting adv...read more

Moving to a new place requires research and planning.

• Research the new city's cost of living and job market.

• Find a suitable place to live based on budget and lifestyle.

• Get to know the local community and culture.

• Plan the logistics of the move, including packing and transportation.

• Update important documents and notify necessary parties of the change.

• Prepare for the emotional adjustment of leaving familiar surroundings.

Sales and marketing in pharma involves promoting and selling pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals and consumers.

• Sales involves direct selling of pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals like doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals.

• Marketing involves creating awareness about pharmaceutical products through advertising, promotions, and educational campaigns.

• Sales and marketing teams work together to increase product awareness, drive sales, and build relati...read more

The culture of micro lab has a significant impact on the quality of testing and results.

• The culture should prioritize accuracy and precision in testing.

• There should be a strong emphasis on following protocols and procedures.

• Open communication and collaboration among lab members is crucial.

• Continuous training and education should be provided to keep up with advancements.

• The lab should have a culture of accountability and responsibility.

• Examples: A lab with a culture of rushing...read more

I have achieved carrier growth through effective team management and strategic planning.

• Successfully led a team of sales representatives to exceed quarterly targets

• Implemented a new sales strategy that increased revenue by 20%

• Developed and executed a training program that improved employee retention rates

• Received multiple awards for outstanding performance and leadership

The principles of working machines involve understanding their components, functions, and maintenance.

• Machines have various components that work together to perform a specific function.

• Understanding the function of each component is crucial in troubleshooting and maintenance.

• Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure machines operate efficiently and safely.

• Examples of machines include engines, conveyor belts, and assembly lines.

AHU stands for Air Handling Unit and VAU stands for Variable Air Volume Unit.

• AHU is a device used to regulate and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

• VAU is a type of AHU that adjusts the volume of air flow based on the temperature and air quality requirements.

• AHUs are commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings, while VAUs are used for more precise control in specific areas like laboratories or clean rooms.

Dissolution development method is a process used to determine the rate at which a drug substance dissolves in a specific medium.

• Involves testing the drug in various dissolution media to simulate different physiological conditions

• Helps in understanding the drug's release profile and bioavailability

• Critical for developing dosage forms like tablets and capsules

• Common techniques include paddle over disk, flow-through cell, and rotating basket methods

Five examples of gram positive bacteria

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Streptococcus pyogenes

• Bacillus subtilis

• Clostridium difficile

• Listeria monocytogenes

Endotoxin is released from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria when the bacteria die or are destroyed.

• Endotoxin is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria

• It is released when the bacteria are destroyed or die

• Endotoxin can cause fever, inflammation, and septic shock in humans

• Examples of Gram-negative bacteria that produce endotoxin include Escherichia coli and Salmonella

DC motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy through the interaction of magnetic fields.

• DC motors have a stationary part called the stator and a rotating part called the rotor.

• The stator contains the field windings that produce a magnetic field, while the rotor has the armature windings that carry the current.

• The interaction of the magnetic fields causes the rotor to rotate, producing mechanical energy.

• DC motors are commonly used in applications such as electric...read more

OSD stands for Oral Solid Dosage. It refers to the form of medication that is taken orally in a solid form such as tablets or capsules.

• OSD is a common form of medication that is taken orally in a solid form

• Examples of OSD include tablets, capsules, and powders

• OSD is often used to treat a variety of medical conditions

• Quality assurance is important in the manufacturing of OSD to ensure safety and efficacy

VCB stands for Vacuum Circuit Breaker, which is an electrical switch that uses vacuum as the dielectric medium.

• VCB is used to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by overcurrents and short circuits.

• It is commonly used in high voltage power systems.

• VCBs are more reliable and require less maintenance compared to other types of circuit breakers.

• They are also more environmentally friendly as they do not use any harmful gases.

• Example of VCB manufacturers include Siemens...read more

PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller, a digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes.

• PLCs are used in industrial automation to control machinery and processes

• They are programmed using ladder logic or other programming languages

• PLCs can communicate with other devices and systems through various communication protocols

• Examples of PLC applications include manufacturing, transportation, and building automation

My M Pharm project was on the development of a sustained release formulation of an anti-diabetic drug.

• The project involved the use of various polymers to achieve sustained release of the drug.

• I conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy of the formulation.

• The results showed that the sustained release formulation had better glucose-lowering effects compared to the immediate release formulation.

• I also optimized the formulation to achieve the desired release...read more

My strength lies in my problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure.

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to work well under pressure

M30 is a designation for a specific grade of concrete used in construction.

• M30 refers to the mix design of concrete, specifically the ratio of cement, sand, and aggregate used in the mix.

• It is commonly used in the construction industry for structural applications where high strength is required.

• Other common grades of concrete include M20, M25, and M40, each with their own specific mix designs.

• For example, M30 concrete typically has a mix ratio of 1:1:2 (cement:sand:aggregate)...read more

Deadlock is a situation in which two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource.

• Occurs in multitasking environments

• Processes hold resources and wait for others to release resources

• Can be resolved using techniques like resource allocation graph

• Example: Process A holds Resource 1 and waits for Resource 2, while Process B holds Resource 2 and waits for Resource 1

Reviewing analytical data is crucial for ensuring quality and identifying any issues.

• Analytical data should be reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Any discrepancies or outliers should be investigated and addressed.

• Reviewing analytical data can help identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Examples of analytical data include test results, product specifications, and process parameters.

DG stands for Diesel Generator, which is a backup power source used in case of power outages.

• DG is a standalone power source that runs on diesel fuel.

• It is commonly used as a backup power source in case of power outages.

• DGs are often used in hospitals, data centers, and other critical facilities to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

• They come in various sizes and capacities, depending on the power requirements of the facility.

• DGs require regular maintenance and testing to ensu...read more