In-process control (IPC)

Checks made during manufacturing to monitor and, if necessary, adjust the process so that intermediates and the final product meet specification, for example pH, conductivity, bioburden or titer at defined steps. Japanese documents use the abbreviation IPC and two native terms, one for the control activity and one for the tests themselves (工程内試験). In-process controls build quality into the process instead of relying only on final testing, and they catch problems before they are carried into later steps. Results outside in-process limits are handled as deviations.