200+ Quality Control Officer Interview Questions and Answers

Pharmacy is the science and technique of preparing, dispensing, and reviewing drugs and providing additional clinical services.

• Pharmacy involves the preparation and dispensing of drugs

• Pharmaceutical companies use various types of chemicals such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and solvents

• APIs are the main active ingredients in a drug that provide the therapeutic effect

• Excipients are inactive substances that help deliver the drug to the body

• Solvents ar...read more

pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. Quality control ensures products meet standards. Quality assurance ensures processes meet standards.

• pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity

• Quality control involves inspecting and testing products to ensure they meet predetermined standards

• Quality assurance focuses on ensuring that processes and procedures are in place to consistently produce products that meet quality s...read more

The stationary phase used in HPLC can be either polar or non-polar.

• Polar stationary phases are used for separating polar compounds, while non-polar stationary phases are used for separating non-polar compounds.

• Common polar stationary phases include silica gel and alumina, while common non-polar stationary phases include C18 and C8.

• The choice of stationary phase depends on the properties of the sample being analyzed and the desired separation.

• The stationary phase is typically ...read more

Therapeutic effect refers to the positive impact of a medical treatment on a patient's health. GDP stands for Good Distribution Practice.

• Therapeutic effect is the desired outcome of a medical treatment

• It can be measured by improvements in symptoms or overall health

• For example, the therapeutic effect of an antibiotic is the elimination of an infection

• GDP is a set of guidelines for ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products during distribution

• It includes require...read more

Assay is a test to determine the potency or purity of a drug or substance.

• Assay is done to ensure that the drug or substance meets the required standards.

• It helps in determining the concentration of the active ingredient in a drug.

• Assay can also be used to detect impurities or contaminants in a drug.

• It is an important part of quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Examples of assays include HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometry.

Semipermeable membrane is a type of membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

• It is a thin layer of material that selectively allows certain molecules to pass through

• Examples include cell membranes and dialysis tubing

• The membrane is made up of tiny pores or channels that allow small molecules to pass through

• It is used in various applications such as water filtration and drug delivery systems

One common problem observed during manufacturing of baking goods is inconsistent product quality.

• Inconsistent product quality can occur due to variations in ingredient measurements, mixing techniques, or oven temperatures.

• For example, if the amount of baking powder used in a recipe is not accurately measured, it can result in uneven rising of the baked goods.

• Similarly, if the mixing technique is not uniform, some portions of the product may be under-mixed or over-mixed, leadi...read more

High and low permeability membranes are used in filtration processes to control the flow of substances.

• High permeability membranes allow for a greater flow of substances through the membrane.

• Low permeability membranes restrict the flow of substances through the membrane.

• Permeability is determined by the size of the pores in the membrane.

• Examples of high permeability membranes include ultrafiltration membranes used in water treatment.

• Examples of low permeability membranes incl...read more

A swab sample involves using a swab to collect a sample from a specific area, while a rinse sample involves rinsing a larger area to collect a sample.

• Swab sample: Collects a sample from a specific area using a swab.

• Rinse sample: Involves rinsing a larger area to collect a sample.

• Swab samples are commonly used for surface testing, such as swabbing a countertop or equipment.

• Rinse samples are often used for environmental testing, such as rinsing a large area of a production floo...read more

To manufacture 10 lakh tablets of paracetamol 500 mg API, you would need a certain amount of grams or kilograms of API.

• To find the amount of API needed, we need to calculate the total quantity required for 10 lakh tablets.

• First, convert 10 lakh tablets to the number of milligrams (mg) by multiplying by 500 mg (the dosage of each tablet).

• Then, convert the total milligrams to grams or kilograms by dividing by 1000.

• The resulting value will be the amount of API needed to manufact...read more

Acidic substances have a pH less than 7, while basic substances have a pH greater than 7.

• Acids release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

• Bases release hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water.

• Examples of acids include vinegar, lemon juice, and battery acid.

• Examples of bases include baking soda, bleach, and ammonia.

The chemical composition of iron ore varies depending on the type of ore and its source.

• Iron ore is primarily composed of iron oxides, such as hematite and magnetite.

• Other elements present in iron ore include silica, alumina, phosphorus, sulfur, and trace amounts of various metals.

• The specific chemical composition of iron ore can vary widely, even within the same deposit or mine.

• For example, a typical chemical composition of iron ore may include around 60-70% iron, 2-6% silic...read more

The color seen in the test solution depends on the type of test being conducted.

• The color change indicates the presence or absence of a particular substance in the solution.

• Different tests use different indicators to produce a color change.

• For example, a pH test may use litmus paper to indicate acidity or alkalinity.

• A glucose test may use a reagent that changes color in the presence of glucose.

• The color seen in the test solution can be compared to a color chart to determine t...read more

Physical compatibility refers to the ability of two substances to be mixed or combined without any physical changes. Chemical compatibility refers to the ability of two substances to be mixed or combined without any chemical reactions.

• Physical compatibility is about the physical properties of substances, such as solubility, viscosity, and stability.

• Chemical compatibility is about the chemical properties of substances, such as reactivity, acidity, and compatibility with other ...read more

Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the movement of solvent molecules through the membrane.

• Osmosis is a type of passive transport.

• It occurs in living cells and is important for maintaining cell shape and function.

• Osmotic pressure is influenced by the concentration of solutes on either side of the me...read more

Distillation is a process of separating components of a mixture based on their boiling points. Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent.

• Distillation involves heating a mixture to vaporize the component with the lowest boiling point, then condensing the vapor to collect the purified component.

• Dilution is commonly used in chemistry to prepare solutions of a desired concentration.

• Distillation and dilution are both important techn...read more

Qualitative analysis is subjective and deals with non-numerical data while quantitative analysis is objective and deals with numerical data.

• Qualitative analysis deals with non-numerical data while quantitative analysis deals with numerical data.

• Qualitative analysis is subjective while quantitative analysis is objective.

• Qualitative analysis is used to gain insights and understanding while quantitative analysis is used to measure and quantify.

• Examples of qualitative analysis in...read more

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

• HPLC works on the principle of separation of components based on their interaction with the stationary phase and mobile phase.

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

• The sample is injected into the mobile phase and as it flows through ...read more

There are numerous compatibilities in pharmaceutical industry depending on the type of drug, dosage form, and excipients used.

• Drug-excipient compatibility

• Drug-dosage form compatibility

• Excipient-excipient compatibility

• Container-drug compatibility

• Drug-stability compatibility

Criteria for Uniformity of Dosage Unit

• Uniformity of weight and drug content in each dosage unit

• Acceptable range of variation in weight and drug content

• Ensuring consistent potency and efficacy of the drug

• Testing methods include weight variation test and content uniformity test

• Criteria varies depending on the type of drug and dosage form

The quality control department ensures that pharmaceutical products meet the required standards and regulations.

• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

• Testing and analyzing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products

• Identifying and resolving quality issues

• Maintaining documentation and records

• Conducting audits and inspections

• Collaborating with other departments to improve quality and efficiency

pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Environmental monitoring in microbiology is the process of monitoring the microbial contamination in the environment.

• pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, with 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic and above 7 alkaline

• Environmental monitoring in microbiology involves sampling and testing of air, water, surfaces, and personnel for microbial contamination

• The purpose of environmental monitoring is to identify potential sources of co...read more

The material safety in my working area is ensured through strict adherence to safety protocols and regular inspections.

• Strict adherence to safety protocols

• Regular inspections to identify and address any potential hazards

• Proper storage and handling of materials

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Training and awareness programs for employees

QA (Quality Assurance) focuses on preventing defects, while QC (Quality Control) focuses on identifying and fixing defects.

• QA is a proactive process that ensures quality standards are met throughout the entire development process.

• QC is a reactive process that involves inspecting and testing the final product to identify defects.

• QA involves activities like creating test plans, conducting reviews, and implementing quality standards.

• QC involves activities like conducting inspect...read more

Dissolution criteria refers to the amount of drug substance that should dissolve in a specified time period.

• It is a measure of drug release from a dosage form.

• It is important for ensuring the drug is being absorbed properly.

• The criteria varies depending on the type of drug and dosage form.

• For example, immediate-release tablets should dissolve at least 80% in 30 minutes.

• Slow-release tablets may have a longer dissolution time.

Saliva pH range is typically between 6.2 and 7.6, while water pH range is generally between 6.5 and 8.5.

• Saliva pH range: 6.2 - 7.6

• Water pH range: 6.5 - 8.5

I have performed the microbiological test the most.

• Microbiological test is crucial in ensuring the safety and quality of products.

• Examples include testing for microbial contamination in food and pharmaceutical products.

• I have performed this test numerous times in my previous roles as a Quality Control Officer.