Considerations for Automating the Dissolution Test

Abstract

A primary challenge for the pharmaceutical laboratory is to maximize throughput with optimum compliance. A technique-dependent test like dissolution is a primary target for implementing varying levels of automation, from semiautomated sampling equipment to fully robotic systems. Instrumentation flexibility will be required in the laboratory of the future to minimize the potential for error caused by manual intervention and to fully utilize the dissolution apparatus with automated sampling and onand offline UV or HPLC analytical systems. This article offers suggestions for determining the level of automation needed to obtain peak performance based on the product(s), laboratory requirements, and regulatory compliance associated with laboratory automation.