60+ Quality Control Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

UV-Visible Spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter resulting in the production of distinct spectra.

• UV-Visible Spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique used to determine the concentration of a sample.

• It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to analyze drug compounds.

• The spectra produced can be used to identify unknown compounds and monitor chemical reactions.

• UV-Visible Spectroscopy is also used in environmental analysis to measure pollutant...read more

An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources. There are several ways to connect desktop to internet.

• Operating system is the backbone of a computer system.

• It manages computer hardware and software resources.

• Examples of operating systems are Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.

• To connect a desktop to the internet, one can use Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, or cellular network.

• Ethernet cable provides a wired connection, Wi-Fi provides a wireless connect...read more

To check absorbance in a UV visible spectrophotometer, prepare a sample, set the wavelength, adjust the blank, and measure the absorbance.

• Prepare a sample by diluting or extracting the substance of interest.

• Set the wavelength on the spectrophotometer to the desired value.

• Adjust the blank by measuring the absorbance of a solvent or reagent without the substance.

• Measure the absorbance of the sample by placing it in the spectrophotometer and recording the reading.

• Repeat the proc...read more

Tablet is a solid dosage form of medication. Tablet disintegration time is the time taken for a tablet to break down into smaller particles.

• Tablets are made by compressing a mixture of active ingredients and excipients.

• Disintegration time is important for drug absorption and efficacy.

• Factors affecting disintegration time include tablet composition, size, and shape.

• Disintegration time can be measured using various methods such as USP apparatus or disintegration testers.

• Example...read more

HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography. It is a technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture.

• HPLC uses a stationary phase and a mobile phase to separate components based on their chemical properties.

• The stationary phase is typically a solid or liquid packed into a column, while the mobile phase is a liquid that flows through the column.

• Components in the mixture interact differently with the stationary and mobile phases, causing th...read more

Chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze mixtures. Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Molarity is a measure of the concentration of a solution.

• Chromatography involves passing a mixture through a stationary phase and a mobile phase to separate its components.

• Spectroscopy can be used to identify the chemical composition of a substance by analyzing the way it interacts with different wavelengths of light.

• M...read more

Lambert Beer's law relates the concentration of a solution to the amount of light absorbed by the solution.

• The law states that the absorbance of a solution is directly proportional to its concentration and the path length of the light through the solution.

• It is commonly used in spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution.

• The law assumes that the solution is homogeneous, the absorbing species is in a single form, and the incident light is mono...read more

A pH meter is a scientific instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.

• Measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution

• Range typically from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral

• Used in various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring

Remote desktop process allows users to access and control a computer from a remote location.

• Remote desktop process enables users to connect to a computer remotely and control it as if they were physically present.

• It involves using a client software on the local computer to establish a connection with the remote computer.

• The remote computer must have the necessary server software installed and configured to accept remote connections.

• Once connected, the user can view the remote...read more

For GC Ms, check for leaks, column contamination, and detector issues. For UV spectroscopy, check for lamp and cell issues.

• For GC Ms, check for leaks in the system and ensure that the column is not contaminated. Also, check for detector issues such as a dirty or faulty detector.

• For UV spectroscopy, check for lamp issues such as a burnt-out lamp or incorrect wavelength settings. Also, check for cell issues such as air bubbles or scratches on the cell.

• Regular maintenance and ca...read more

Dissolution analysis involves studying the rate at which a substance dissolves in a solvent.

• Dissolution analysis is performed to determine the dissolution rate of a substance.

• It involves measuring the amount of substance dissolved over time.

• Various techniques like UV spectroscopy, HPLC, or dissolution testers can be used for analysis.

• Factors like temperature, pH, and agitation speed can affect dissolution rates.

• Results are compared against predetermined specifications to ensu...read more

GC stands for Gas Chromatography. Its principle is based on the separation of components of a mixture based on their partitioning between a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

• GC separates components of a mixture based on their partitioning between a stationary phase and a mobile phase

• It involves injecting a sample into a heated inlet, vaporizing it and then separating the components using a column

• The separated components are then detected and analyzed based on their retentio...read more

I am currently working as a Quality Control Analyst in a pharmaceutical company.

• Types of components in HPLC include stationary phase, mobile phase, column, injector, detector, and data system.

• Detectors commonly used in HPLC are UV-Vis detector, fluorescence detector, refractive index detector, and mass spectrometry detector.

Molarity is the number of grams of solute dissolved in one liter of solution.

• Molarity is a unit of concentration in chemistry

• It is calculated by dividing the number of moles of solute by the volume of the solution in liters

• For example, if 0.5 moles of NaCl are dissolved in 1 liter of water, the molarity would be 0.5 M

The number of grams of solute dissolved in one liter of solution is known as the concentration of the solution.

• Concentration is typically expressed in units such as grams per liter (g/L) or molarity (mol/L).

• To calculate concentration, divide the mass of the solute by the volume of the solution.

• For example, if 10 grams of salt are dissolved in 1 liter of water, the concentration of the solution is 10 g/L.

Q stands for Quantity in Dissolution.

• Q stands for Quantity in Dissolution testing.

• It refers to the amount of drug substance that is dissolved in a specified time period.

• It is an important parameter in assessing the quality and performance of a drug product.

• Q can also stand for Quality in some contexts, but in Dissolution it specifically refers to Quantity.

The molecular weight of sulfuric acid is 98.08 g/mol.

• The molecular formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4.

• To calculate the molecular weight, add the atomic weights of each element in the formula (2*1.01 for hydrogen, 32.06 for sulfur, 4*16.00 for oxygen).

• Molecular weight of sulfuric acid = 2*1.01 + 32.06 + 4*16.00 = 98.08 g/mol.

Normality, Molarity, and Molality are different units of concentration used in chemistry.

• Normality is the number of equivalents of a substance dissolved in a liter of solution.

• Molarity is the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

• Molality is the number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

• Normality is used in acid-base reactions, while Molarity and Molality are more commonly used in general chemistry.

• Example: A 1M solution of NaCl has 1 mole of NaCl dissolved ...read more

GDP and GMP are practices that ensure quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

• GDP stands for Good Distribution Practices and ensures that pharmaceutical products are transported and stored in a safe and secure manner.

• GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices and ensures that pharmaceutical products are manufactured in a consistent and controlled manner.

• Both GDP and GMP are regulated by various international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and...read more

I am a Quality Control Analyst with experience in ensuring product quality and compliance.

• Experienced in conducting quality control tests and inspections

• Proficient in analyzing data and identifying trends or issues

• Skilled in creating and implementing quality control procedures

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Effective communication and collaboration skills

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

• Familiarity with industry regulations and standards

• Experience with qua...read more

Assay in drug substance is a test used to determine the potency or concentration of a drug in a sample.

• Assay is a quantitative analysis method used to measure the amount of a specific substance in a sample.

• It is commonly used in pharmaceutical industry to ensure the quality and consistency of drug products.

• Assay results are compared to a standard reference to determine the potency or concentration of the drug.

• Examples of assays include HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatogr...read more

UV and visible range refer to the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are visible to the human eye.

• UV range typically refers to wavelengths between 10-400 nm, while visible range refers to wavelengths between 400-700 nm.

• UV radiation is divided into UVA (315-400 nm), UVB (280-315 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm).

• Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye and includes colors from violet to red.

• UV and visible range are common...read more

A caliper is used to measure the size of capsules and compare defects of tablets.

• Calipers are commonly used in pharmaceutical industries for quality control purposes.

• For measuring the size of capsules, a digital caliper or vernier caliper can be used.

• Defects of tablets can be compared using a caliper to measure dimensions and identify inconsistencies.

• Calipers provide accurate measurements for quality assurance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Parameters of autoclave include temperature, pressure, and time for sterilization.

• Temperature: Typically set between 121-134 degrees Celsius for sterilization.

• Pressure: Usually maintained at 15-30 psi to ensure proper sterilization.

• Time: Sterilization cycle duration can vary depending on the load size and contents.

• Examples: Autoclave parameters for sterilizing medical instruments, laboratory equipment, and biohazard waste.

Alcoa stands for Analytical Laboratory Control on Arrival, a process used in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the quality of raw materials.

• Alcoa is a set of guidelines used to ensure data integrity in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• It stands for Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate.

• Alcoa principles are used to ensure the reliability and accuracy of data in pharmaceutical testing and analysis.

• For example, ensuring that all data is attributable to a...read more

Dissolution stages refer to the different phases in which a solid substance dissolves in a liquid medium.

• Dissolution begins with the solid substance breaking down into smaller particles

• The smaller particles then disperse in the liquid medium

• Finally, the particles fully dissolve and become uniformly distributed in the liquid

HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography, a technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture.

• HPLC involves a stationary phase, a mobile phase, and a detector.

• The sample is injected into the system and carried by the mobile phase through the stationary phase.

• Different components in the sample interact differently with the stationary phase, leading to separation.

• The detector measures the amount of each component as it elutes from the colu...read more

HPLC can be used for quantitative analysis of compounds in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, environmental testing, and more.

• Quantitative analysis of compounds in pharmaceutical products to ensure potency and purity

• Detection of impurities in food and beverages to ensure safety and quality

• Analysis of environmental samples for pollutants and contaminants

• Identification and quantification of compounds in forensic analysis

HPLC is a chromatographic technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture based on their interactions with a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

• HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

• It involves passing a liquid sample through a column packed with a stationary phase, where different components interact differently and are separated based on their affinity for the stationary phase.

• The separated components are then detected and quanti...read more

A mole is a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express amounts of a chemical substance.

• A mole is defined as the amount of a substance that contains the same number of entities as there are atoms in 12 grams of carbon-12.

• The number of entities in a mole is known as Avogadro's number, which is approximately 6.022 x 10^23.

• Moles are used to measure the amount of a substance in chemical reactions and equations.

• Commonly used in stoichiometry to calculate the amount of reactan...read more

ALCOA+++ is a set of principles for data integrity in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Attributable

• Legible

• Contemporaneous

• Original

• Accurate

• Complete

• Consistent

• Enduring

• Available

• Traceable

The 4Cs of diamonds refer to cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, which are important factors in determining a diamond's quality and value.

• Cut: Refers to the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond, affecting its brilliance and sparkle.

• Color: The less color in a diamond, the higher its value. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

• Clarity: Refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes in t...read more

Diamond inoculation is a process of introducing small diamond particles into a metal matrix to improve its mechanical properties.

• Diamond inoculation is used in the production of metal matrix composites.

• The addition of diamond particles can enhance the hardness, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity of the metal.

• Diamond inoculation is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

• Example: Adding diamond particles to aluminum matrix can result i...read more

OOS stands for Out of Specification and OOT stands for Out of Trend.

• OOS refers to a result that falls outside the acceptance criteria specified in the test procedure.

• OOT refers to a result that shows a trend outside the expected range over time.

• Both OOS and OOT results may indicate potential issues with the quality or consistency of the product being tested.

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

• Sterilization is commonly used in medical settings to ensure that surgical instruments and equipment are free from harmful microorganisms.

• Methods of sterilization include autoclaving, dry heat sterilization, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, and radiation sterilization.

• Sterilization is also used in food processing to extend shelf life and preven...read more

Assay formula is a specific calculation used to determine the concentration or purity of a substance in a sample.

• Assay formula typically involves measuring the amount of a specific compound or molecule in a sample.

• It may involve using a standard curve to determine the concentration of the substance.

• Assay formulas can vary depending on the type of assay being performed, such as ELISA or PCR.

• Examples include calculating the protein concentration in a sample using a Bradford ass...read more

Standard agreement formula is a legally binding document outlining terms and conditions agreed upon by parties involved.

• Include names and signatures of all parties involved

• Clearly outline the terms and conditions of the agreement

• Specify the duration of the agreement

• Include clauses for termination and dispute resolution

• Ensure the agreement is legally binding and enforceable

Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value, while precision refers to how close the measured values are to each other.

• Accuracy is the degree of closeness between a measured value and the true value.

• Precision is the degree of closeness between multiple measured values.

• Accuracy is about correctness, while precision is about consistency.

• Accuracy can be affected by systematic errors, while precision can be affected by random errors.

• For example, hitting the...read more

Diamond blemishes are surface imperfections on a diamond that can affect its clarity and overall appearance.

• Diamond blemishes can include scratches, pits, chips, and nicks on the surface of the diamond.

• These imperfections can be caused by wear and tear, improper handling, or cutting and polishing processes.

• Diamond blemishes can impact the diamond's value and brilliance, as they can interfere with the reflection and refraction of light.

• Examples of diamond blemishes include fea...read more

The pH of sulfuric acid is highly acidic, typically around 0-1.

• Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid with a pH level of around 0-1.

• The pH of sulfuric acid can vary depending on its concentration.

• It is important to handle sulfuric acid with caution due to its corrosive nature.

Fabrication is the process of creating a product or component through various manufacturing techniques.

• Fabrication involves cutting, bending, welding, and assembling raw materials to create a finished product.

• Examples of fabrication include metal fabrication for creating structures like bridges and buildings, and plastic fabrication for making products like bottles and containers.

Industrial refers to activities related to the production of goods in factories or plants.

• Industrial processes involve manufacturing, production, and assembly of products.

• Industrial settings often involve the use of machinery and equipment.

• Examples include automotive manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and food production factories.

GC is used for volatile compounds, while HPLC is used for non-volatile compounds.

• GC stands for Gas Chromatography, while HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

• GC is used for separating and analyzing volatile compounds, such as gases and liquids that can be vaporized without decomposition.

• HPLC is used for separating and analyzing non-volatile compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, proteins, and carbohydrates.

• GC typically uses a gas as the mobile phase and a solid...read more

IR and UV spectroscopy are analytical techniques that utilize the absorption of infrared and ultraviolet-visible light to identify and quantify substances.

• IR spectroscopy measures the absorption of infrared radiation by a sample to identify functional groups in organic molecules.

• UV spectroscopy measures the absorption of ultraviolet-visible light by a sample to determine the presence of conjugated systems in organic compounds.

• Both techniques rely on the principle of molecular...read more

UV principal refers to the use of ultraviolet light to detect impurities or contaminants in a sample.

• UV principal is commonly used in quality control to ensure the purity of pharmaceuticals and other products.

• The principle is based on the fact that certain impurities or contaminants will absorb UV light at specific wavelengths.

• By measuring the amount of UV light absorbed by a sample, analysts can determine the presence and concentration of impurities.

• UV principal is also used...read more

I am responsible for ensuring the quality of products through analysis and testing.

• Performing quality control tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products

• Analyzing data and identifying trends or deviations from standards

• Documenting test results and communicating findings to relevant stakeholders

• Troubleshooting issues and recommending corrective actions

• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards

HPLC is a chromatography technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture.

• HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

• It works by pumping a liquid solvent containing the sample through a column packed with a stationary phase.

• Different components in the sample interact differently with the stationary phase, leading to separation.

• The separated components are detected and quantified as they exit the column.

• HPLC is commonly used in pharmaceuti...read more