Issue

Validation is a word that most people within the pharmaceutical industry know and in general have a good understanding of the terminology (IQ, OQ etc.). Computer systems validation, however, is often regarded as a black art to be avoided unless you are well versed in the relevant spell books.

Several years ago when military and commercial electrostatic discharge (ESD) experts met to write the first comprehensive ESD standard, their goal was to provide electronics manufacturers with a "clear and visible" path to implementing a static control program.

A start-up semiconductor company usually doesn't have the financial wherewithal to pull out all the stops and build a cleanroom like those found at chip powerhouse Intel Corp., especially in a downturn.

Preparation of both capsules and tablets involves several steps in the manipulation, including weighing the active estrogen and other powders required in the formulation, mixing of these items in the proper proportions and then preparing the final dosage form, either capsules or tablets.

A recent study indicates that more than $5 billion will be spent this year for hardware and membranes used in reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration and microfiltration cross flow systems. Despite a downturn in the semiconductor segment, the industry will see growth of over $400 million from last year.

Pipe and fittings from Flo Safe Inc.; Cleaning kit from Allegro Industries; Mop from Berkshire; Media cassette from Millipore; Resin from Atofina Chemicals Inc....

Keeping the product or application clean and the user protected and comfortable are primary functions of cleanroom gloves. There are a number of product variables that should be specified to address your particular needs.

No hidden charges; An evolving science; Statistics knowledge needed...

You know the old adage: When you're not sure how to tackle a particular problem, surround yourself with people who are sure, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

The rosiest of pictures of the pharmaceutical industry have not been painted in this column, and no apologies will be made for expressed opinions or for rallying efforts to address some rather gross improprieties that have been reported accurately and fairly in this magazine.

Airflow control valve; Reducing particle contamination during wafer transport; Dry cleaning process...

Most of you are aware that the contamination control business grew out of the space program in the 1960s. Actually, that effort was a continuation of activity generated in World War II with development of the HEPA filter. In those days it was called an "absolute filter." We know now that is a misnomer for a variety of reasons.

SAN JOSE, CA--For the first time at CleanRooms West (October 8-10), representatives from IDC will discuss how to retrofit an existing cleanroom for 300 mm, and newcomers from Albany NanoTech will hold a panel discussion on workforce training.

DEERFIELD, IL--At press time, an investigation continued into Baxter International Inc.'s voluntary recall of a therapy used to treat burn victims and patients in shock after tests on the remedy revealed a rare form of the AIDS virus in the plasma used to make the product.

DALLAS--Air Liquide America's Electronics division has acquired Balazs Analytical Laboratory (Sunnyvale, CA), creating a business unit that combines the analytical laboratory services of both companies.

CHASKA, MN--Entegris, a provider of silicon wafer and disk-drive handling products, has acquired San Jose, CA-based Atcor Corp. (San Jose, CA) and Critical Clean Solutions Inc. (CCS; Gilroy, CA). This is the latest in a wave of transactions that have swept the contamination control industry.

ROCKVILLE, MD--Meat and poultry processors can blast away pathogens with ozone now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of the powerful bacteria-killing oxidant as an antimicrobial agent on foods.

CHINA--It's estimated that China currently has close to a dozen fabs ready to start pilot testing. Each fab contains an estimated 8,600 to 107,000 square feet of cleanroom space. While those fabs are not adding to the current overcapacity issues, looking ahead some believe China may be a contributing factor to the next downturn.

Nilfisk-Advance and Dycem form alliance; Eagle-Picher to open GMP production facility; Emerging technology careers; ASP opens copper reclaim facility...

SAN FRANCISCO--IN MEGASONIC cleaning, as the name implies, megahertz sound waves are used to scrub surfaces clean of particles and contamination. The advantages for cleanroom industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, could loom large. There could be reductions, for instance, in chemical consumption.