Home / Blog / Industry Knowledge / How Cleanrooms Are Validated Step by Step

How Cleanrooms Are Validated Step by Step

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-11-22      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

You might ask, how are cleanrooms validated? There are many steps to ensure the space is safe and clean. The main steps are:

  1. Design Qualification (DQ)

  2. Installation Qualification (IQ)

  3. Operation Qualification (OQ)

  4. Performance Qualification (PQ)

  5. Cleanroom Certification

Amber provides complete cleanroom solutions. They prioritize quality and adhere to ISO 14644 standards. You can rely on Amber’s products to assist you in achieving effective validation for your facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Cleanroom validation makes sure the area is safe and clean by following strict rules like ISO 14644. The validation process has five main steps: Design Qualification, Installation Qualification, Operation Qualification, Performance Qualification, and Cleanroom Certification. Design Qualification is about planning and making sure the cleanroom design fits the needs and rules. Installation Qualification checks if all equipment is put in right and matches the design plans. Operational Qualification tests the cleanroom’s systems to make sure they work well during normal use. Performance Qualification checks how well the cleanroom controls particles and keeps safety standards. Regular checks and planned re-validation are needed to keep following the rules and stay safe in cleanrooms. Amber gives full support during the validation process and helps you keep high standards.

Cleanroom Validation Overview

What Is Cleanroom Validation?

It is important to know about cleanroom validation before starting. Cleanroom validation checks if a cleanroom is safe and meets strict rules. The process makes sure the air is clean and contamination stays low. The main goal is to prove your cleanroom works as planned and follows rules like iso 14644-1:2015.

  • A cleanroom is a special room where you control airborne particles.

  • Cleanrooms get their class by how clean the air is, using ISO 14644.

  • Cleanroom validation checks if your cleanroom meets these rules before use.

  • There are five main steps: Design Qualification, Installation Qualification, Operation Qualification, Performance Qualification, and Cleanroom Certification.

Key Phases Explained

You need to follow several steps to validate a cleanroom. Each step has a job and helps keep the space safe and clean.

  1. Design Qualification (DQ)
    You plan your cleanroom and make sure the design fits your needs and follows the rules.

  2. Installation Qualification (IQ)
    You check if all equipment and systems are put in the right way. You make sure everything matches the plans.

  3. Operation Qualification (OQ)
    You test the cleanroom’s systems to see if they work right during normal use.

  4. Performance Qualification (PQ)
    You measure how well the cleanroom works. You check particle counts and other key things.

  5. Cleanroom Certification
    You get official proof that your cleanroom meets all the rules. Now you can use the cleanroom for important work.

Amber helps you with every step. The company has finished over 1000 cleanroom projects in more than 120 countries. You get help from Amber’s experience and focus on quality.

ISO 14644 Standards

You must follow ISO 14644 standards to validate your cleanroom. These rules help keep your cleanroom safe and clean. ISO 14644-1 replaced old rules and now gives the main rules for air cleanliness.

  • ISO 14644 puts cleanrooms in classes by counting particles in the air.

  • You need to test your cleanroom often to follow the rules.

  • There are nine classes based on how many particles are allowed.

Here is a table that lists some important tests and what ISO 14644 needs:

Test

Purpose

Method

Criteria

Airborne Particle Concentration

Check air cleanliness

Measure particle counts

Must meet ISO 14644-1 limits

DOP or HEPA Filter Leakage Test

Find filter leaks

Use aerosol challenge

Leak should be less than 0.01%

Air Pressure Difference Test

Check air movement

Measure pressure

Should be 7.5 Pa to 15 Pa

Air Change Rate (ACR)

Measure air supply

Count air changes

Should be 15-20 times per hour

Temperature & Humidity

Check comfort and safety

Measure temperature and humidity

18-22°C, RH not over 65%

You need to do these tests to keep your cleanroom safe. Amber’s cleanroom solutions help you pass all these tests and keep high standards.

How Are Cleanrooms Validated? Step by Step

How Are Cleanrooms Validated? Step by Step

Image Source: pexels

Design Qualification (DQ)

Purpose and Planning

You begin cleanroom validation with Design Qualification. This step helps you check if your cleanroom design is right. You need to make sure the design fits your needs and follows rules. You look at every part before building starts.

Here are the main steps for Design Qualification:

  1. Write down what you want your cleanroom to do.

  2. Check all design papers. Look at drawings and plans to see if they are correct.

  3. Make sure your design follows ISO 14644 and other rules.

  4. Find risks. Think about problems and plan how to stop them.

  5. Check if the design matches what you need for your work.

  6. Have a design review. Get your team and others to approve it.

Tip: Good planning in Design Qualification helps you avoid problems later.

Amber’s Design Expertise

Amber helps you with every part of Design Qualification. Their team listens to what you need. They make a cleanroom design that fits your work. Amber uses special software and drawings to show you the cleanroom before building. You get advice on rules and risks. Amber has worked on over 1000 projects. You get a design that meets world standards and helps you finish cleanroom validation.

Installation Qualification (IQ)

System Verification

After the design is done, you start Installation Qualification. This step checks if everything is put in the right way. You make sure all equipment and systems match the design.

Here are the steps for Installation Qualification:

  • Plan what you will do. Give jobs to people and get all needed papers.

  • Check each piece of equipment. Make sure it matches what you planned.

  • Look at installation records. See if everything was put in as planned.

  • Train your team. Teach them how to use and care for the cleanroom.

  • Use change control. Track changes to keep validation up to date.

  • Work with everyone involved. Teamwork helps you check everything.

Note: Good records and teamwork help you pass Installation Qualification.

Amber’s Installation Solutions

Amber gives full installation help for cleanrooms. Their engineers set up equipment and connect systems. You get clear papers and training for your team. Amber uses digital tools to keep records and follow rules. Their cleanroom products are easy to install and work well. You get help from Amber’s experience and focus on quality. This helps you finish cleanroom validation.

Operational Qualification (OQ)

Functionality Testing

Operational Qualification checks if your cleanroom works during normal use. You test all systems to see if they work right. This step is important in cleanroom validation.

You do these tests during OQ:

Test Type

Description

Particle Testing

You check if equipment changes how clean the room is.

Air Flow Testing

You use smoke to see if air moves the right way.

Microbial Monitoring

You check if cleaning keeps the room safe.

You test the cleanroom when no one is inside. You do each test one at a time for good results. You also test hard situations, like high heat or humidity.

Airflow and Filter Checks

You need to make sure air moves the right way. You check HEPA filters and airflow. You look for leaks and see if air changes happen as planned. These steps help keep the cleanroom clean.

Amber’s cleanroom solutions have strong HEPA filters and airflow systems. Their products help you pass all OQ tests. You get help with testing and papers. This makes cleanroom validation easier.

Performance Qualification (PQ)

Performance Qualification is the last step in cleanroom validation. You must show your cleanroom works well during real use. PQ proves your cleanroom keeps the right conditions for your work. This step checks if your cleanroom follows all safety and quality rules.

Particle Count Tests

You have to test your cleanroom to see if it controls particles. These tests show if your cleanroom matches the ISO 14644 class you want. You use special tools to count particles in the air. You also check for germs and other tiny things that could cause trouble.

Here is a table that lists the main things you check during Performance Qualification:

Parameter

Description

Particle count

You count how many particles are in the air.

Microbiological charge

You look for germs using different ways to sample.

Temperature and relative humidity

You check if the room stays at the right levels.

Pressure differentials

You make sure air moves the right way between rooms.

Air flow rate and direction

You check how fast and where the air goes.

Environmental recovery time

You see how fast the room gets clean after a change.

You need to do these tests when the cleanroom is working like normal. You should also test after any changes or repairs. If your cleanroom passes, you know it can keep products safe and protect people.

Final Certification

After all tests are done, you get cleanroom certification. This means your cleanroom passed every part of validation. You now have proof your cleanroom meets ISO 14644 and other big standards. You can use your cleanroom for making medicine, research, or other clean work.

Performance Qualification gives you many good things:

  • You make sure your products stay safe and clean.

  • You follow the rules set by the industry and government.

  • You build trust with your customers and partners.

  • You keep your work process steady and reliable.

Amber helps you with every part of cleanroom validation. Their team uses advanced tools to test your cleanroom. You get clear reports and help until you reach final certification. Amber’s turnkey solutions make validation easy and help you keep your cleanroom at the highest standard.

Amber Cleanroom Solutions

Product Features and Advantages

You want a solution that helps with every validation step. Amber has many products made to be reliable and work well. Each product helps you follow tough industry rules and keeps your space safe. The table below lists some special features that make Amber’s solutions different:

Unique Feature

Description

Structured Validation Process

Helps you finish all validation steps for a smooth project.

Airflow Pattern Assessment

Uses airflow tests, like smoke, to stop contamination and keep air moving right.

HEPA Filter Integrity Testing

Checks filters to make sure they catch particles and keep air clean.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Keeps the room steady for sensitive work.

Real-time Monitoring

Watches particles and recovery times to keep your space in ISO rules.

Data Integrity

Makes sure all data from validation and use stays correct and safe.

GMP Connect Platform

Keeps your records safe with secure data and tracking.

Amber’s turnkey method gives you faster setup, clear costs, and one contact person. You save time and lower risks because Amber handles everything for you.

Modular Design and Customization

You need to change your space as your needs grow. Amber’s modular design lets you make your space bigger or smaller fast. This design gives you many good things:

  • You can make your space larger or smaller as work changes.

  • Modular systems help you finish projects faster and control spending.

  • You spend less time building because most parts are made ahead of time.

  • The design lets you upgrade or change things easily without big problems.

Amber’s engineers work with you to make a solution that fits your needs. You get a clean and useful space that changes with your business.

Tip: Modular cleanrooms help you keep up in fast-changing industries.

Compliance with ISO and GMP

You must follow strict rules to keep your space safe and working well. Amber’s solutions help you meet both ISO and GMP rules. Here is how Amber helps you follow the rules:

  • GMP cleanrooms need more control than ISO cleanrooms. Amber’s products meet both sets of rules.

  • GMP rules use ISO standards and add more checks for materials and how things are done.

  • Every GMP space also has an ISO class.

  • The new EU GMP Annex 1 wants to lower contamination risks. Amber’s solutions follow these new rules.

  • ISO 14644-1 gives the rules for classing spaces by particle count. Amber’s products help you meet these rules.

You can trust Amber to give you solutions that follow world rules. This focus on following rules keeps your products, your team, and your name safe.

Ongoing Monitoring and Control

Ongoing Monitoring and Control

Image Source: pexels

Making sure your cleanroom stays safe is a daily job. You must check and control the space all the time. This helps you follow ISO and GMP rules. Watching your cleanroom every day also keeps your products and team safe.

Routine Environmental Checks

You have to check many things in your cleanroom often. These checks help you find problems early and fix them fast. The table below lists what you need to watch and how often to check:

Parameter

Description

Frequency of Monitoring

Temperature

Should stay between 18 and 25 degrees. This helps glue and materials work right.

Regularly monitored

Humidity

Should be between 40% and 60%. Too much can help germs grow.

Regularly monitored

Air Pressure Differentials

Keeps the room under positive pressure to stop contamination.

Continuously monitored

Microbial Contamination

Checked with HEPA filters and special tests.

Regularly monitored

Volatile Organic Compounds

Watched in places where glue is used for safety.

As needed

Surface Cleanliness

Checked with ISO rules and swab tests.

Regularly monitored

Sensors and alarms help you watch these things. If something changes, you can fix it right away. Amber’s cleanroom systems have smart tools for easy monitoring. These tools help you keep your cleanroom safe and under control.

Scheduled Re-Validation

One check is not enough for your cleanroom. Machines can break or settings can change over time. You need to plan checks every year or after big repairs. This makes sure your cleanroom still meets all the rules.

Here are some reasons to plan re-validation:

  • You want your certification to stay current.

  • You need to see if filters and machines still work well.

  • You must show proof to inspectors or customers.

Amber gives help after you buy their products. Their team can help you plan and do re-validation. You get expert help to keep your cleanroom safe and ready for work.

Documentation and Records

Keeping good records is very important. You must write down every check, test, and repair. This helps you show proof during audits and find problems fast.

You should keep these papers:

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily jobs, cleaning, and checks

  • Records of particle counts, filter tests, and machine checks

  • Training logs for your team

  • Reports of any problems or repairs

  • Change control records for updates or fixes

Tip: Check and update your SOPs often. This keeps your team ready and your cleanroom safe.

Amber’s systems make record keeping easy. Your data is stored safely and is easy to find. With good records, you can always show your cleanroom meets top standards.

Best Practices and Common Challenges

Addressing Validation Issues

You might have problems when you validate a cleanroom. Knowing these problems helps you get ready and fix them fast. Here are some common problems and ways to solve them:

  • Contamination Control: People and tools can bring in particles. You should wear special clothes, clean often, and use good filters to keep the room safe.

  • Airflow Management: Bad airflow lets dust build up. Test airflow a lot and use a smart design to keep air moving right.

  • Humidity and Temperature Control: Too much humidity helps germs grow. Dry air can make static. Use good climate controls to keep things steady.

  • Equipment Maintenance: Machines can break or not work well. Check and fix your machines often to stop problems.

  • Balancing Quality and Efficiency: Testing can take time and slow down work. Make a plan so you have time for both checks and making products.

  • Cross-Contamination Prevention: Cleaning mistakes can spread particles. Follow strong cleaning rules and close rooms if you need to clean deeply.

You might also have delays if you use bad sampling, set wrong residue limits, or skip good records. Always follow your steps and keep checking your cleanroom.

Reason for Delay

Description

Inadequate Sampling Techniques

Only checking easy spots can miss hidden problems.

Incorrect Residue Limit Calculations

Wrong limits can let cross-contamination happen.

Test Method Validation Issues

Not checking test methods may miss some residues.

Lack of Good Documentation Practices

Missing records can cause trouble during checks.

Non-compliance with Established Procedures

Not following cleaning steps can cause big problems.

Lack of Ongoing Monitoring

Skipping checks can let problems go unnoticed.

Tip: Keep your records current and always follow your cleaning and testing plans.

Maintaining Compliance

You need to keep your cleanroom in good shape every day. Following a set schedule helps you meet the rules. Here is an easy plan you can use:

  1. Daily: Clean surfaces, check airflow, watch the environment, and change supplies.

  2. Weekly: Clean more, test alarms, and check machines.

  3. Monthly: Check clothes, test filters, count particles, and update papers.

  4. Quarterly: Look at the building, check pressure, and test machines.

  5. Annually: Get full certification, change filters, and review your plan.

Doing these steps helps you avoid surprises and keeps your cleanroom ready for checks.

Training and Support

Your team needs training to keep the cleanroom safe and follow the rules. Good training teaches staff about validation, daily checks, and how to control the space. You should teach things like:

  • Cleanroom validation steps and why they matter

  • How to watch the environment and find problems

  • Rules for cleanroom design and running the space

Amber gives help and training from years of global work. Their experts help your team learn best ways and keep up with new rules. With the right help, you can fix problems and keep your cleanroom working well.

When you follow each validation step, you keep your products safe. You also make sure you follow all the strict rules. Good validation helps keep the room steady and stops contamination. This lowers the chance of breaking any rules. Amber’s customers are very happy and give a perfect 5.0 review score.

Impact Area

Description

Enhanced Contamination Control

Cleanrooms stay safe for sensitive work.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Reliable systems reduce downtime and risks.

Reduced Risks of Non-Compliance

Early compliance avoids costly problems.

Pick Amber if you want expert help and great results that last.

FAQ

What is the main goal of cleanroom validation?

You want to make sure your cleanroom meets safety and cleanliness rules. Validation checks if your space controls particles and keeps products safe. This process helps you follow ISO and GMP standards.

How often should you re-validate your cleanroom?

You should re-validate your cleanroom at least once a year. You also need to check after big repairs or changes. Regular checks help you keep your space safe and ready for work.

Which industries need cleanroom validation?

Many industries need cleanroom validation. These include hospitals, pharmaceutical plants, biotech labs, electronics, and food production. You need a cleanroom if your work must stay free from dust and germs.

What tests do you perform during validation?

You check particle counts, airflow, filter leaks, temperature, humidity, and pressure. You also test for germs. These tests help you prove your cleanroom meets the right standards.

Can you customize Amber’s cleanroom solutions?

Yes, you can. Amber offers modular cleanrooms that you can change or expand. You can pick features that fit your work. Amber’s team helps you design the best solution.

What happens if your cleanroom fails validation?

If your cleanroom fails, you must fix the problems. You may need to clean, repair, or adjust systems. After fixing, you test again. Amber’s experts can help you solve issues and pass validation.

How does Amber support you after installation?

Amber gives you training, maintenance, and help with re-validation. You get support for repairs and upgrades. Their team answers your questions and helps you keep your cleanroom safe.

Why is documentation important in cleanroom validation?

Good records show you followed all steps. You need them for audits and inspections. Keeping clear documents helps you find and fix problems quickly.


Leave a Message
Get A Free Quote

Your phone number or WhatsApp

Room 202, No.48, Guancheng area, Guanlong road, Guancheng district,Dongguan city, Guangdong province.

E-mail us

lisa@amberdg.com

Call us on

+86 18680093316
Amber is a professional engaged in providing turnkey solution in a clean room project such as hospital operating room, ICU, ward, pharmaceutical, bio-lab and so on.

QuickLink

Get A Free Quote
Copyright © 2023 Dongguan Amber Purification Engineering Limited All Rights Reserved. Sitemap I Support By Leadong