After more than two decades, the world of cleanrooms just received a major refresh with the release of ISO 14644-5:2025. If you manage, audit, or simply work in controlled environments, this is a big moment that could shape your daily procedures for years to come. Let’s explore what changed, why it matters, and how you […]
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of cleanroom environments, human contamination remains the single greatest threat. In a recent webinar featuring Patricia Sitek, a leading biotechnologist and cleanroom consultant, and Jason Kelly, Director of Applications at Lighthouse, industry professionals gathered to discuss the critical role of personal hygiene and behavior in contamination control. Here’s what […]
Ensuring Cleanliness and Product Quality Keeping precision parts free from contamination is crucial in industries like aerospace, automotive, semiconductors, and medical devices. Even the smallest particles can impact performance, reduce product lifespan, or, in the case of medical implants, pose serious health risks. To maintain high cleanliness standards, manufacturers use strict cleaning processes, often shifting […]
In today’s world, precision and cleanliness are critical in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Among the many tools used to maintain strict cleanliness standards, viable air samplers stand out as a key player. But why are these devices so essential? Let’s dive into the reasons. What are Viable Particle Counters? Viable air samplers are specialized […]
Cleanrooms are essential controlled environments used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and electronics manufacturing. Their primary purpose is to maintain high levels of cleanliness and minimize contamination, which is critical for ensuring product quality and compliance with stringent regulations. Recent advancements are providing fresh insights into how we can enhance cleanroom efficiency, and companies […]
Particle monitoring is like having a super-sensitive detective on your team, keeping an eye on invisible contaminants that could disrupt quality, safety, or efficiency. As industries evolve and regulations tighten, the need for precise monitoring systems has never been greater. Let’s explore why and how different industries rely on this essential technology. Why Is Particle […]
In 2024 our knowledge center webinar series provided a comprehensive exploration into the latest advancements and best practices in cleanroom monitoring and environmental control. Covering a wide array of topics, from fundamental techniques to cutting-edge technologies, these sessions aimed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain compliance and ensure optimal conditions […]
Ultra Pure Water (UPW) is critical in industries where even the smallest impurities can have significant consequences. It is used in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and high-end laboratories—applications that demand the highest level of purity. Achieving and maintaining this purity requires a complex process and advanced monitoring tools. This blog explores the UPW process and highlights […]
At Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, we’re excited to introduce our latest innovation: the ActiveCount Remote Impactor Kit. This advanced system pairs the trusted performance of our ActiveCount25H or ActiveCount100H viable samplers with the newly developed Remote Impactor Kit. Designed specifically for cleanrooms and aseptic environments, this solution offers unmatched portability and flexibility, making sampling easier, even […]
Liquid particle counting is essential for maintaining public health and safety by monitoring the purity and quality of liquids across various sectors, including drinking water, pharmaceuticals, and food production. This technology helps detect contaminants that could pose health risks, ensuring that products meet strict safety standards and protect consumers. Protecting Drinking Water Quality A key […]
It’s actually not as complicated as it might sound at first. Think of GAMP as your friendly neighborhood guide to making sure medicines are top-notch and safe for everyone. GAMP stands for Good Automated Manufacturing Practice. It’s like a rulebook created by a group of pharmaceutical experts who want to make sure that when we use […]
In a cleanroom, even the smallest particle can pose significant risks. Particle deposition occurs when airborne particles come to rest on surfaces. Particle deposition in cleanrooms can compromise sensitive processes, contaminate products, and affect the precision of experiments. Have you ever wondered how tiny particles floating in the air end up settling on surfaces like […]
Ensuring that the equipment used within cleanrooms is easy to wipe down and free from particle contamination is vital. Poorly designed equipment can become a contamination source, which is ironic given that such equipment is intended to monitor contamination levels. At Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, we designed the ApexZ particle counter to facilitate easy cleaning, thereby […]
Gas Sampling in Cleanrooms In cleanrooms, especially those classified ISO 5 or cleaner, maintaining contamination control is paramount. One significant potential source of contamination is compressed gas. Proper gas sampling is crucial in these environments to ensure that the compressed gases used do not introduce particles that could compromise the cleanroom’s integrity. The international standard […]
Overview Cleanrooms are essential in the pharmaceutical industry, providing controlled environments for the aseptic production of sterile products. Recently, big data analytics has emerged as a transformative tool, offering new ways to enhance cleanroom performance beyond traditional methods. The Advent of Big Data Analytics in Cleanrooms Big data analytics involves examining large and varied data […]
In the realm of cleanroom operations, humans are both a crucial asset and a potential source of contamination. Understanding and mitigating human factors are essential for maintaining optimal cleanliness and efficiency in sterile manufacturing processes. 1. Human-Induced Contamination: Humans are significant producers of particles within cleanroom environments, shedding up to 40,000 skin cells per minute and […]
In the realm of sterile manufacturing processes, the Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) serves as a crucial barrier between success and potential disasters like system failures, product recalls, and contamination, which could lead to product shortages. Selecting the right environmental monitoring software and hardware is paramount to the success of your cleanroom operations. The software serves as the […]
In the rapidly evolving landscape of pharmaceutical manufacturing, the integration of cutting-edge technologies is not just a trend but a necessity to meet the stringent regulatory standards and ensure the highest quality of products. The advent of Pharma 4.0 has ushered in a new era of digital transformation, leveraging the power of the Internet of […]
The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about a surge in demand for high-quality lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are the heart of EVs, providing the power needed to propel these vehicles. However, manufacturing lithium-ion batteries is a complex process that demands meticulous control over various factors, including particle contamination. Particle Contamination: A Hidden […]
The 2022 update of the EU GMP Annex 1 has placed significant emphasis on the concept of continuous environmental monitoring (EM), highlighting it as a critical component in reducing the risk of contamination during the manufacture of sterile products. This shift towards continuous EM requires manufacturers to adopt specific techniques and align their monitoring programs […]
Introduction In the realm of pharmaceuticals, the pursuit of excellence in product quality is a never-ending journey. Governments and private industries have diligently crafted recommendations and regulations over the years, evolving in response to the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the digital age. In this comprehensive paper, we delve into the fundamental […]
Introduction Cleanrooms in the Pharmaceutical industry are sanctuaries of precision, where the highest standards of cleanliness are not just expected but demanded. A key player in the sterilization arsenal of these cleanrooms is Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP), a potent chemical used to disinfect surfaces and equipment. However, the nature of VHP, while highly effective at […]
Introduction In the high-stakes realm of Pharmaceutical manufacturing, precision and adherence to stringent cleanliness standards are non-negotiable. Compressed gases are a staple in cleanroom environments, but they also present a potential risk of contamination. This article delves into the pivotal role of compressed gas sampling in pharma cleanrooms, emphasizing the unique challenges and regulatory considerations […]
Introduction Airborne particle counters play a crucial role in ensuring the environmental integrity of pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical, and radiopharmaceutical facilities worldwide. In an increasingly globalized pharmaceutical industry, cooperation and harmonization have become the norm, driving the demand for continuous monitoring in these facilities as well as the drive for digital solutions to meet your Contamination Control Strategy. In this […]
Pharmaceutical injectable aseptic injections are essential medical products that are administered through injections, directly into the body. The manufacturing process for these injectable drugs is a meticulous endeavor, requiring stringent control measures to ensure they remain free from any microbial contamination or particles that could compromise patient safety. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricate process […]
In the meticulous realm of pharmaceuticals and controlled environments, precision is paramount. Particle counters emerge as indispensable tools in maintaining stringent quality standards. This blog elucidates the critical role of particle counters in cleanroom certification, routine monitoring, and HEPA filter testing while adhering to ISO standards. Certifying Cleanrooms using Particle Counters as per ISO 14644-1:2015 […]
In the complex landscape of pharmaceutical manufacturing, where the safety and efficacy of medicinal products are paramount, Annex 1 of the EU Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Medicinal Products 2022 stands as a crucial document. One of its core components, the Contamination Control Strategy (CCS), plays a pivotal role in ensuring the production […]
In our rapidly evolving world, environmental monitoring has become a critical aspect of safeguarding our planet’s health. From air and water quality to soil conditions and climate patterns, the data collected through environmental monitoring systems provide valuable insights that guide policies, research, and decision-making. However, the accuracy of these measurements is paramount, and that’s where […]
In 2022, GMP Annex 1 was revised to reflect the changing landscape of technology, discoveries, best practices, and needs. At the time of publication, this is the first and only, but far from the last, regulatory body to make a large update in several years. We do expect to see similar guidelines from the FDA […]
“Risk mitigation” is one of our favorite phrases. The best way to prevent yield loss, ensure end user safety, and high quality is to avoid risk from the beginning. What exactly poses a risk to aseptic manufacturing? First and foremost, contamination. Next, human error and faulty equipment. All combined, these can be a recipe for […]
We talk a lot about life cycles, but have you used this approach to implementing a new system, especially a large one, such as Real Time Monitoring System (RTMS)? If you are familiar with GAMP5, you probably have used a life cycle approach or at least considered it. The 5th edition of Good Automated Manufacturing […]
GAMP5: another day, another acronym. So let’s break it down! GAMP5 stands for the Good Automated Manufacturing Practices 5th version. This publication is monitored by the GAMP committee of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), who also publishes the GAMP guidelines. GAMP5 outlines best practices for computerized system validation in the pharmaceutical industry; however, […]
Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP) has been defining IT validation since 1991. Since then, it has gone through 5 revisions, the most recent of which was in 2008. This version of the guidelines is called GAMP5. It is published by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), specifically for pharmaceutical cleanrooms. GAMP is both a […]
GAMP5 refers to the fifth publication of Good Automated Manufacturing Practices published by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). GAMP5 is not a set of regulations, but instead a collection of guidelines developed through evidence-based decision making that reinforces the standards set by many regulations, including Annex 11 and 21CFR11. These guidelines outline a […]
Every revolution is, well, revolutionary. Processes and people massively change in a way that rocks the world to its core, in a way that makes it so the world is never the same again. We have witnessed these sorts of transcending changes throughout the last three industrial revolutions and, now, we are arguably experiencing the […]
ISPE’s Pharma 4.0 initiative points to everything the pharmaceutical industry could be if it embraced the same advancements of the fourth industrial revolution: digitization, empowerment, and automation. This is achieved through the integration of Industry 4.0 technology, originally spurred by the internet and now encompassing artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and automation. Pharma 4.0 is sometimes […]
For years now, robots and automation have been making their way into pharmaceutical production. Lately, though, the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm in the form of ChatGPT: a uniquely human AI bot that will have conversations with you, research for you, and adapt to what you ask it to […]
A lot has changed since the 1700s in the whole world, but especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Over the past 250 years, four industrial revolutions have swept the world, drastically changing the way we manufacture items and their availability – including pharmaceuticals. Industry 1.0 The first industrial revolution spanned from 1760 to 1830, with its […]
You will hopefully not be shocked to learn that data integrity is an integral part of a properly running cleanroom. If this does come as a surprise to you, we highly recommend you read on and take notes. But for many cleanroom or particle counter professionals, the term “data integrity” has been drilled into our […]
What is a foundational piece of your cleanroom contamination control strategy? Your gowning protocol. Humans, by far, produce the most particles in a cleanroom and your gowning protocol can limit that number. While we have a number of ways to improve your gowning protocol across the board, it is important to recognize that different ISO classifications require […]
An active air sampler is one of the tools you can use in your cleanroom to monitor contamination, but, specifically, it is the tool you can use to monitor viable contamination. These are live microbes, so they have the potential to grow, like mold or fungi. While a particle counter can tell if contamination is […]
Testing of compressed gases is a GMP requirement when such gases are used in cleanroom applications. It is critical for such testing to occur since product process zones in ISO 5 cleanrooms and zones require tight control on contamination and compressed gases used may also if not checked correctly be an avenue for particulate contamination […]
It is no mystery that cleanrooms need to be, well, clean. From the surfaces and tools to the air in the cleanroom, everything needs to remain at a certain level of cleanliness depending on the cleanroom’s classification and application. Those criteria extend to the compressed gasses used in cleanrooms, as well, like oxygen, hydrogen, methane, […]
Lighthouse offers an opportunity to sample the contamination level in compressed gases. In the electronics industry as well as the Pharma industry contamination control of compressed gas has been getting more important over the last few years.
If you use compressed gasses in your cleanroom, ISO 8573 is an important set of guidelines and regulations for your cleanroom, specifically ISO 8573-1:2010. This set of guidelines is maintained and governed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an international, non-governmental organization dedicated to creating worldwide standards for a variety of industries. ISO standards […]
If you know us, then you know that clean air and water is our passion in life. But what happens when you cannot prove to the regulatory authorities that your air and water is clean? Cleanrooms and monitoring systems generate a lot of data. In an 8 hour shift, as many as 5,000 individual count […]
A PQ is a performance qualification which is conducted prior to a system becoming operational. The PQ tests the system to ensure it meets its operational objectives in a real world operational environment. It is the final step in equipment and systems qualification. A PQ should never be a re-execution of the vendor supplied Operational […]
Did you know we start to mitigate risk in our lives as early as 6 months old? That’s right: at 6 months old, an infant can recognize a stranger and knows – in their gut – that the unfamiliar person could pose a risk. The following cries are the baby’s form of risk mitigation. But […]
If you are working with a pharmaceutical or semiconductor manufacturing cleanroom, you most likely have seen ultrapure water in action. This water is used for water for injectables (WFI) in pharmaceuticals and as a chisel for semiconductors. While it has many other purposes, these are the primary two. And those two industries use a lot […]
Anyone who has used an N95 face mask knows that they are far from comfortable: they pinch in all the wrong places, they fail fit tests, and they limit your vision. As you have to fiddle with your face mask, its functionality and protection comes into question. As the world’s leading clean air experts for […]
What is the biggest villain in the contamination control and cleanroom world? Particles. Contamination. This contamination can cause yield and financial loss, delays, frustration, and physical threats to the end user. It is something that should be avoided wherever possible. To minimize contamination risk in your cleanroom, you first need to understand what contamination control […]
Cleanroom maintenance is the key to ensuring your cleanroom continues to operate at peak form. Failure to conduct regular maintenance can have devastating consequences for your cleanroom. For instance, in 2018, a NASA cleanroom was contaminated with fungi. While the fungi was found around the cleanroom, it was heavily concentrated around a filter that had been installed […]
Air Sampler impaction technology has been around for decades. However the d50 is a little know aspect of air sampler technology design and it plays a critical role in air sample capture. Aerosol Impaction is the process in which particles are removed from an air stream by forcing the gases to make a sharp bend. […]
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) is a powerful chemical used to sterilize surfaces andequipment in the cleanroom, specifically in the medical equipment and pharmaceuticalindustries. It can cause deterioration and breakdown of equipment. Due to the nature of theindustries in which it is used, VHP is often used to sterilize equipment while the cleanroomis in use. Thus, […]
The Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP) were developed by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) for pharmaceutical cleanrooms. The ISPE remains the governing body for GAMP. According to ISPE, GAMP is, “A system for producing quality equipment using the concept of prospective validation following a life cycle model. Specifically designed to aid suppliers and users […]
How many times have you heard us say, “your cleanroom filtration is critical”? Probably more than once if you’ve spent any time interacting with us. But not all filtration is the same! Depending on your filter and application, there are different cleanroom particle filtration techniques. Today, we’ll be covering 4 of them. Straining/Sieving This technique is […]
Your filters are what separates your cleanroom from just some ordinary, run-of-the-mill room. They stop potentially harmful contaminants from entering the room. They prevent yield loss and harm to the end-user. Most importantly, the filters’ MPPS defines your cleanroom’s potential classification. This classification limits your cleanroom’s applications. Cleanroom filtration is defined by the type of […]
Cleanrooms require air filters in order to trap contaminants from entering the cleanrooms air supply through its HVAC system. Cleanrooms are controlled environments where the control of temperature/humidity, pressure and particles are essential for optimum operational performance.
Particle Counter management is a critical process in ensuring particle counter health and data integrity. The accuracy of the data from particle counters is critical in regulated industries. Particle Counters should be calibrated regularly based on their use. Manufacturers recommend that Particle Counters are calibrated at a minimum on an annual basis.
In an ever changing world, we are constantly seeing new regulations and expectations. This is especially true in the area of computerized system compliance and validation. GAMP was designed to address these needs. GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practices) is a system designed specifically for suppliers and users in pharmaceuticals. GAMP certifies a system that produces quality […]
So you’re going to classify your cleanroom. But what cleanroom classifying tools can you use that will make the process painful and easy? First things first, let’s define cleanroom classification. The International Standards for Organization (ISO) is one organization that sets cleanroom classifications. ISO is a non-governmental agency that sets standards in a number of industries. These […]
So what exactly makes a cleanroom… A cleanroom? First and foremost, a cleanroom needs to be clean. You are able to communicate just how clean it is through its cleanroom classification. But you cannot attain the classification without first making sure your cleanroom is really that clean. You do this through a proper cleanroom contamination control strategy […]
What happens if an injectable is contaminated? Infections, complications, vein irritation, local tissue infarction, anaphylactic shock, other health risks, and potentially death… The end-user is put in jeopardy. That is why it is vital we prevent contamination at the source: in the cleanroom during the manufacturing of the pharmaceuticals. This involves utilizing a liquid particle counter […]
Water is an essential part of everyday life, and certain cleanrooms are no different – especially in pharmaceuticals. But water is unique apart from other products and process ingredients because ultrapure water is not subject to testing or batch-lot release before use and is drawn from on-demand systems. Additionally, results from water testing are not […]
Water. It makes up 70% of our bodies, but, even more importantly, it serves as a vital ingredient and manufacturing component in cleanrooms. Before we are able to introduce it into the cleanroom setting – especially as part of the product, such as in injectables and other pharmaceuticals – it needs to be purified. We’ve […]
As the world’s clean air experts, we talk a lot about monitoring your cleanroom’s cleanliness by keeping an eye on airborne particles. But what happens when airborne particles are no longer airborne? That is what we call particle deposition. When a particle deposits, it causes contamination and chaos in a cleanroom. So it is important […]
Everyone with a cleanroom could use a particle counter, right? But which particle counter is right for you, and WHY is that particle counter a portable one? First and foremost, a portable particle counter creates its own vacuum, can be moved, and typically displays its reading on a built-in screen. This prevents you from leaving […]
Your Environmental Monitoring System (EMS): the frontline between your product and contamination. Or, at least, letting you know there is contamination so you can determine what the problem is and fix it! This means that an effective EMS is able to recognize when things are going wrong. The cornerstone of this process is conducting a Performance […]
When we think of cleanrooms, we usually think of manufacturing, technology, food processing, research, etc. But have you considered how those processes are used by NASA for space exploration? That’s right! NASA uses cleanrooms – and quite often, too! Not only is their equipment highly tuned, so it needs to be manufactured in a clean […]
What is something that is truly indestructible? Comic book fans will say a vibranium-metal alloy, while others might say that diamonds are about as close as we’ll get in reality. But something is being manufactured on our planet today that is genuinely indestructible. Plastic. That’s right: the plastic we are making today is here to […]
Your particle counter is a foundational part of your cleanroom contamination control strategy, as it stands between you and contamination notification. But your particle counter has a wide array of electronics that should be monitored to ensure the reported data is accurate. There are a few things you can look for in your particle counter […]
Cleanrooms are just that: clean. Therefore, there are strict requirements around what is allowed in a cleanroom and what is not. While exact guidelines might change in different cleanrooms, the following are considered general guidelines and best practices about what should not be allowed in a cleanroom. Street Clothes Your street clothes carry billions of […]
Features to look for in your particle monitor to ensure compliance of your cleanroom Environmental monitoring lies at the heart of regulatory compliance for cleanrooms used in pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical, and healthcare facilities. Facility managers need to understand what components are needed for a monitoring program, but they must also ensure the data they produce is […]
Your cleanroom contamination control strategy is the frontline between you and contaminated products, which can lead to yield loss, slowed production, and possible reputation damage. So when was the last time you really dove into your cleanroom contamination strategy? We highly recommend reviewing your strategy yearly to make sure you are still meeting industry best […]
Contamination in pharmaceuticals can quickly turn into a nightmare with yield loss, recalls, bad press, and harmed consumers. Thus, it’s critical to stop contamination from ever being an issue during production in your cleanroom. Here at Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions – the world’s clean air experts – we’re pros at keeping cleanrooms extra clean. It’s our […]
As clean air experts, we talk a lot about making sure that the air in a cleanroom stays as clean as possible. We do this to meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in pharmaceuticals and keep our products on the shelves and helping people. When we bring contaminants into a cleanroom, […]
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