ASTM E 2656 : 2025

1.1This practice establishes an approach to the real-time release testing (RTRT) of pharmaceutical water based on the total organic carbon (TOC) attribute using on-line total organic carbon (OLTOC) instrumentation that is in agreement with current regulatory thinking.

1.2This practice is harmonized with or supports the concepts of relevant ASTM International Committee E55 on Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products standards, ICH Harmonized Tripartite Guidelines, the U.S. FDA PAT Guidance, and U.S. FDA Pharmaceutical CGMPs.

1.3This practice does not provide general guidance information for pharmaceutical procedures that are considered standard practice in the pharmaceutical industry. This practice provides specific guidance for non-standardized procedures.

1.4This practice does not address the user’s various internal procedures for risk, change, or quality management systems. The overall project effort associated with this practice shall be proportional to the overall risk of failing the pharmaceutical water’s TOC concentration specification.

1.5This practice does not purport to establish how to comply with pharmacopeias. The RTRT methodology selected must assure compliance with the user’s current required pharmacopeias. However, compliance with pharmacopeia TOC methods is not necessarily sufficient to meet current regulatory expectations for RTRT.

1.6This practice does not purport to substitute for or replace compendial bioburden testing requirements. It is strictly applicable to the TOC attribute of water quality.

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.