Standard Operating Procedures

Last revised: 
05/20/2015

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are uniformly written procedures, with detailed instructions to record routine operations, processes and practices followed within a business organization. In clinical research, SOPs help define the group’s (e.g., unit, division, department, institution, etc.) standard practices and daily processes conducted to assure execution of research tasks in accordance with institutional, state and federal guidances.

SOPs should contain adequate detail to clearly guide research staff through a particular procedure and thereby establish uniformity in the everyday functions of the department.  Each  SOP should have a specific aim but be written in a general format that can be easily followed by a broad audience. By laying out defined processes, the primary function of an SOP  is to specifically  avert procedural deviations.

SOPs for the department should be written in a uniform manner. A standard  format should be followed with consistent font size, unit title, and section headers. It should include page numbers, date of initial approval, date it was effective within the department and date of revision if applicable.

The key elements of the SOP at a minimum should include the objective of the SOP, definition of significant terms and acronyms, defined list of responsible individuals and details outlining the procedures with attachments of examples if applicable. It is important to reference applicable guidances and regulations within the SOP, such as ICH E6 Good Clinical Practice and 21 CFR 50.  SOPs should be signed  by the group’s Administrator or Director, with the date of approval that signifies the SOPs are aligned with internal policies. Existing SOPs should be reviewed at regular intervals to reassess applicability of the policy. Annual review is recommended and review prior to sponsor interactions is encouraged.

Distribution, education and training on new departmental SOPs should be consistent. It is important to document the date  research staff have been appropriately trained and are deemed competent to perform  new SOPs  implemented by the department. Research staff should be monitored consistently and receive refresher training at regular intervals to ensure compliance.

SOP Resources

Common SOPs

  • GCP Training
  • Authority and Delegations of Responsibilities of Research Staff
  • Subject Screening and Recruitment
  • Informed Consent Process and Documentation
  • Eligibility Confirmation
  • Source Documentation
  • Data Management
  • Protocol Deviations
  • Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events Reporting
  • Confidentiality of Information
  • Drug/Device Storage, Accountability and Management
  • Regulatory Document Submission Process (Initial Submissions, Amendments and Continuing Reviews)
  • Sample Processing and Shipping Training
  • Monitoring Visits
  • Sponsor, CRO and Internal Audits
  • FDA Audits (Please see FDA Audit Section)
  • Writing SOPs
  • Record Organization and Retention
  • Sub-Site Management

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