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CPHI Attendance 2023

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:51:08 GMT

BCM Analytical Services will be joining FAREVA at CPHI 2023 in Barcelona between 24th – 26th October 2023.

CPHI Worldwide represents every stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain – from ingredients and FDF to machinery, packaging, outsourcing and biopharmaceuticals.

BCM Analytical Services have attended CPHI since 2017, after becoming a part of the FAREVA family and it has proven to be platform for networking with new and existing customers. CPHI is a great opportunity to discuss on going analysis or to discuss any new projects you are working on.

We would be very happy to meet you at the FAREVA stand 3J60.

What is Spectroscopy & Why is it Important?

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:01:47 GMT

Here at BCM Fareva UK, we use spectroscopy to aid in the support of various pharmaceutical services. Spectroscopy analysis is required in a number of monographs. It is also often a requirement in ICH, MHRA and FDA regulations. We have a full spectroscopy suite to aid us in spectroscopy techniques. But, what is spectroscopy and why is it important? In this article, we’ll look at the various types of spectroscopy and the uses we at BCM have for it.

What is Spectroscopy?

Spectroscopy is the study of wavelengths and the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. It involves studying the absorption, emission and reflection of radiation by matter.

Spectroscopy's Importance to Science

Spectroscopy studies underpin the fundamental principles of science, for example, quantum mechanics and the special and general theories of relativity.

Why is Spectroscopy Important to BCM?

Spectroscopy has played a vital role in the world of pharmaceuticals. Here at BCM we use spectroscopy equipment to identify compounds and verify purities. We use the interaction between electromagnetic radiation matter to achieve this.

How Does it Work in Pharmaceuticals?

Within pharmaceuticals, we use a range of processes and variations of spectroscopy. Each variation has its own pros and cons.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

We use this form to atomise samples and create small polyatomic ions. To do this, we inductively couple plasma to ionise samples, which we then detect.

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

This technique is used to detect metals present with samples. We base this technique on ground state metals absorbing light at specific wavelengths. Metal ions within solutions are then converted to an atomic state by flame.

Ultraviolet - Visible Spectrometry

We use this system for the assay of dyes in finished products. Using ultraviolet light to study the absorption of products. This is typically used within sunscreen testing.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry

We use this as an analytical technique to identify organic materials. This technique measures the absorption of infrared radiation by the various wavelengths of sample materials.

Near Infrared Spectrometry

We use near infrared spectrometry to identify raw materials. It works by using near infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

X-ray Powder Diffraction

X-ray powder diffraction is used to analyse powder and solid raw materials. For identification and ploy morph testing

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence

Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence is for elemental identification and quantification. Doubly curved crystal optics direct an intense micron-sized monochromatic X-ray beam to the sample surface for enhanced elemental analysis.

To find out more about spectroscopy get in contact with BCM. You can find all of our contact details below.

Embracing Human Error in the Laboratory

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:01:46 GMT

What is Human Error?

Human error is, in a nut shell, an action or a failure to act that leads to an unwanted outcome.

Examples of Human Error

Missing a dilution in sample preparation (failure to act), leading to invalid test results (unwanted outcome).
Using a 250ml volumetric flask instead of a 200ml volumetric flask for sample preparation (action), leading, again, to invalid test results (unwanted outcome).

Science, with all its controls and measures, is often believed to be above human error. Yet in a laboratory where everything is documented, checked and double checked by trained humans, errors still occur. Acknowledging that human error is more than a failure of an individual brings it out from the shadows. It changes from a topic of shame, to an opportunity for progress in the form of human error risk reduction.

What factors cause Human error?

There are two separate factors that can cause human error:

Stressors (personal)
Structural (environment)

The stressor (personal factor) in both of our examples could be a lack of concentration on the part of the analyst and by investigating further the cause of the error might be due to the analyst having a bad nightâ€™s sleep. This is a perfectly reasonable explanation and is easy enough to identify as the root cause of the invalid results. But how are we going to fix the root cause? There’s no way to guarantee a good nightâ€™s sleep prior to preparing samples again. Even though we know the reason behind the invalid results we can’t prevent it happening again.

Structural Factors for Human Error

When we look a bit further, we arrive at the structural factors. As the name suggests these factors are controlled by design, reorganisation and the sort of activities usually associated with problem-solving. The structural factor in our dilution example might be the wording or presentation of the instructions, or the manner in which the volumetric flasks are stored and identified. So although we can’t do much to prevent the stressors we can address the structural factors.

How do BCM improve Structural Factors?

Here at BCM we have learnt from Human error and have put CAPAs in place following Investigations and Deviations. Simple changes in laboratory lay out help remove simple issues.

Example - Separation of 200ml Volumetric Flasks and 250ml Volumetric Flasks reduces the risk of analysts selecting the wrong equipment.

Investigations and Deviation CAPAs are a great way of stopping an error re occurring, but there are also things you can do to prevent the errors occurring the first place. One way BCM prevent errors occurring through structural changes is via 5S. Regular internal and external 5S audits helps keep the laboratory area safe, organised and helps find structural factors that can improve efficiency.

Embracing Human Error

Encouraging open dialogue concerning human error creates a culture where stressor factors are recognised and structural factors are challenged. By avoiding using the stressors as an excuse to apportion blame and focusing on fixing the structural factors it is possible to decrease human error.

By accepting and embracing human error, we are able to recognise that our systems, procedures and environment design may require regular review. Assessing and improving the environment we work in is a key and continuous task to ensure that error is minimalized and productivity is increased

Here at BCM Analytical Services, we are always looking for new and creative ways to give our customers the best possible service. We are constantly looking to improve our processes to ensure right first time (RFT) and on time in full (OTIF).

XRD Analysis

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 11:01:46 GMT

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is a non-destructive analytical technique that has been used for decades in a variety of sectors. XRD is a technique that provides pivotal data on the crystal structure of a compound which is a key property characteristic of a material.

What is X-Ray Diffraction?

X-Ray Diffraction uses X-Ray light to determine the 3D arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice. A source of radiation directs X-Ray light at a solid material, the structure of the material causes the X-Ray beam to diffract. Dedicated software is used to calculate the angle, 2 theta, between the incident and diffracted rays. These 2 theta angles identify the structure of the material. The resulting diffracted beam, due to the structural arrangement of the material produce peaks on a spectrum. With the use of Bragg’s Law we are able to identify key structural information of our material being observed.

Why is a materials crystal structure pivotal to its function?

A materials crystal structure can have a huge impact on the way the material behaves. One prime example is graphite and diamond. Both made up of Carbon atoms, however their crystal arrangement has very noticeable effects on the material. Graphite is soft and can conduct electricity, where as a diamond is one of the strongest materials on earth and does not conduct electricity.

A materials crystal structure can impact the quality of pharmaceutical products, safety of building materials, efficiency of batteries and can impact the strength of a metal link in a chain.

One example of where XRD is important in the Pharmaceutical world is confirming the presence of a polymorph and quantification of Polymorphic forms in a material. Polymorphic analysis is key to ensuring the quality of a material which may impact its safety and efficiency.

What sectors benefit from XRD analysis?

Pharmaceutical
Building
Mining
Energy
Metal

BCM Analytical Services’ Spectroscopy suite is fully equipped with a Panatlyical X’Pert3 Powder XRD ready to take on more contract analysis. If you would like to discuss XRD analysis at BCM or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Tackling a Backlog

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:35:04 GMT

On time in full (OTIF) is a very important Key performance indicator (KPI) for companies all over the world and is vital to ensuring that great customer service is achieved.

Unfortunately, the OTIF KPI is constantly under attack from a number of unforeseeable factors. These factors result in OTIF not being met and can create a Testing Backlog.

What factors can contribute to a testing backlog?

Sudden increase of unscheduled work
Work force depletion. E.g. Illness or annual leave
Equipment maintenance or breakdown
Update to regulations, resulting in more analytical tests
Lack of trained analysts

How to tackle a testing backlog?

There are many ways to tackle a testing back log.

Test like for like - Review the types of products that are on your backlog, can you test them together? Here at BCM we are fortunate to have methods that can test a variety of products at a single time. Combining these tests together allows us to free up analysts to perform other tasks.

Prioritising by deadline date - It is sometimes beneficial to test the first sample that arrived in the lab. However, this only makes sense if all of the samples being tested have the same deadline. What a nice world to live in. However, most testing facilities will have a number of samples with varied deadline dates, one prime example would be a lab that test’s both release samples and stability samples. Release samples are pivotal for the release of product, whereas stability samples are mainly for monitoring purposes. Release testing will be expected to be complete in a few days where as stability samples may not need testing for weeks.

Increase analyst capacity - An obvious solution would be to increase the number of analysts available. However, recruitment of analysts can often be a task that requires weeks or months as opposed to a few days. Most of the time a backlog will be due to unforeseen circumstances meaning that hiring more staff may not be the best solution. There is however an alternative to this. Implement overtime or weekend working, extending your working week from 5 to 7 days is an easy way of increasing your labs capacity. Implement shift patterns, a limiting factor how much an analyst can do in a day is down to equipment availability. Instead of purchasing more kit, why not use the equipment you have over 2 shifts in a single day?

Increase equipment capacity - Increasing your staff availability is a great way to tackle the backlog however, if your analyst’s don’t have the equipment to perform their tasks then it is likely that your backlog will increase. Buying more equipment is a simple step to tackle a backlog, but it can be expensive.

Outsource your analysis - One final option would be to outsource work to a third party testing facility. By having a third party lab available, you are able to send out your surplus analysis without having to invest in more equipment or pay money for overtime hours.

BCM Analytical Services is a contract testing facility that not only facilitates Stability studies for BCM manufacture products, but we also provide contract testing for a number of customers. BCM have the capabilities to take on your surplus analysis from raw material testing to full stability trials.

If you are interesting in outsourcing your analytical testing, or would like to build a partnership with BCM Analytical services, please get in touch.

Exhibitions 2020

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 12:39:51 GMT

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused disruption to all of our lives, both at home and at work. The outbreak has meant that a number of large events have been cancelled or postponed. Following social distancing measures implemented by the Government, a number of events in the Pharmaceutical world have been postponed until later 2020.

We have compiled a list of events that BCM Analytical Services will be exhibiting later this year.

List of Exhibitions

Making Pharmaceuticals 26-27th October Ricoh Arena, Coventry
CPhI – Fareva Stand 13-15th October Fiera Milano, Milan
Manufacturing Chemist Live 28-29th October National Conference Centre, Birmingham
Biocity Suppliers fair Alderley Park, Macclesfield moved to 2021

Events are a great opportunity for us to network with our existing customers, catch up with old colleagues and create new partnerships with companies from a variety of sectors.

Making Pharmaceuticals 2020

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 14:11:33 GMT

BCM Analytical services are excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at Making Pharmaceuticals 2020 at Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK.

This will be BCM Analytical Services 4th consecutive exhibition show at Making Pharmaceuticals.

Making pharmaceuticals is a great platform for all sorts of professionals in the Pharma industry to network from company CEOs, service providers to regulatory and laboratory staff . BCM Analytical Services will be located in the Laboratory zone at Stand 332 right in front of Networking Zone A, 26th-27th October 2020.

If you would like to know more about BCM Analytical Services and how we can help with your analytical needs, please visit our stand. We’d be very happy to meet you.

See you there!

CPHI Attendance 2020

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 15:44:54 GMT

BCM Analytical Services will be joining FAREVA at CPHI 2020 in Milan between 13th – 15th October 2020.

CPHI Worldwide represents every stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain – from ingredients and FDF to machinery, packaging, outsourcing and biopharmaceuticals.

BCM Analytical Services have attended CPHI for the last 3 consecutive years after becoming a part of the FAREVA family and it has proven to be platform for networking with new and existing customers. CPHI is a great opportunity to discuss on going analysis or to discuss any new projects you are working on.

We would be very happy to meet you at the FAREVA stand 4H20.The body content of your post goes here.

2019 Apprenticeship

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:09:06 GMT

BCM have an extremely strong heritage when it comes to Apprenticeships with a number of staff including Managers and Qualified People coming through the Apprenticeship schemes in BCM.

Analytical Services still consider Apprenticeships to be a Pivotal method of recruitment and believe that Apprenticeship routes are extremely beneficial, both for BCM as a company and the Apprentices themselves. Since the takeover of BCM by FAREVA from Boots, BCM have had to become independent recruiters of Apprentices and have recently completed the second year of Apprentice recruitment since the takeover.

Analytical Services have developed a thorough recruitment process, including initial screening process of CV’s, interviews and then finally a work placement week. The successful candidates are then put through a month of 1 to 1 training to bring them up to the standard required for GMP Analysis. They are then placed into teams where they can expand their knowledge whilst being mentored by our experienced staff.

The Apprentices are placed on a 2 year college course where they attend once per week during term time. Analytical Services have recently provided graduated apprentices the opportunity to extend their education either by further study at College or by sponsoring education at a degree level.

Analytical Services are keen to continue the apprenticeship recruitment for many years to come. To keep up to date with Vacancies, follow our LinkedIn page. Search – BCM Analytical Services.

Welcome to the Team!

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 08:10:09 GMT

BCM Analytical Services are happy to announce the introduction of 6 new members of staff to the Analytical Services team. Our new faces come from a variety of different backgrounds, including University graduates, professionals with R&D experience and apprentices.

Our new members will be Laboratory based staff and will undergo comprehensive training in a variety of techniques, including HPLC, GC, Physical Analysis and many more. The latest additions will be exposed to a number of different dosage forms for a variety of different Customers. They will be exposed to different dosage forms from Ointments to Tablets, including Licensed products and Development products.

Our increase in resource will reduce capacity restrictions and aid the introduction of new projects.

bcm

CPHI Attendance 2023

What is Spectroscopy & Why is it Important?

What is Spectroscopy?

Spectroscopy's Importance to Science

Why is Spectroscopy Important to BCM?

How Does it Work in Pharmaceuticals?

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Ultraviolet - Visible Spectrometry

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry

Near Infrared Spectrometry

X-ray Powder Diffraction

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence

To find out more about spectroscopy get in contact with BCM. You can find all of our contact details below.

Embracing Human Error in the Laboratory

What is Human Error?

Examples of Human Error

What factors cause Human error?

There are two separate factors that can cause human error:

Structural Factors for Human Error

How do BCM improve Structural Factors?

Example - Separation of 200ml Volumetric Flasks and 250ml Volumetric Flasks reduces the risk of analysts selecting the wrong equipment.

Embracing Human Error

Here at BCM Analytical Services, we are always looking for new and creative ways to give our customers the best possible service. We are constantly looking to improve our processes to ensure right first time (RFT) and on time in full (OTIF).

XRD Analysis

What is X-Ray Diffraction?

Why is a materials crystal structure pivotal to its function?

What sectors benefit from XRD analysis?

BCM Analytical Services’ Spectroscopy suite is fully equipped with a Panatlyical X’Pert3 Powder XRD ready to take on more contract analysis. If you would like to discuss XRD analysis at BCM or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Tackling a Backlog

What factors can contribute to a testing backlog?

How to tackle a testing backlog?

﻿

If you are interesting in outsourcing your analytical testing, or would like to build a partnership with BCM Analytical services, please get in touch.

Exhibitions 2020

List of Exhibitions

Events are a great opportunity for us to network with our existing customers, catch up with old colleagues and create new partnerships with companies from a variety of sectors.

Making Pharmaceuticals 2020

See you there!

CPHI Attendance 2020

BCM Analytical Services will be joining FAREVA at CPHI 2020 in Milan between 13th – 15th October 2020.

2019 Apprenticeship

Analytical Services are keen to continue the apprenticeship recruitment for many years to come. To keep up to date with Vacancies, follow our LinkedIn page. Search – BCM Analytical Services.

Welcome to the Team!

Welcome to the team Catherine, Cerys, Mark, Pablo, Rachel and Samerha. We hope you enjoy your time at BCM Analytical Services.