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Form Plug-and-play starting point Sterility & Microbiology

Form: HEPA Filter Installed Integrity (Leak) Test Record

A plug-and-play record for the installed HEPA filter leak test: upstream aerosol challenge, downstream photometer scan of the filter face and frame seal, penetration acceptance, leak location and repair, and retest, with field definitions and a filled specimen.

Document type: Form

Read and copy the template below into your own quality system. It is a generic starting point for your own internal use, provided as is, with no warranty; see the Terms and License. Adopting it does not by itself create compliance.

This is the record for the installed HEPA filter leak test, which checks the filter as mounted, including the frame seal and gasket, not the filter medium’s factory efficiency. Replace every <<FILL: ...>> placeholder and keep the field definitions with the record. A filled specimen follows. This content is educational and general; adapt it to your own quality system and confirm the method against the current standard.

Section A: test identity

FieldEntryDefinition
Room / area ID<<FILL>>Where the filter is installed
Filter ID / position<<FILL>>Unique filter location
Filter class<<FILL: e.g. H14>>Manufacturer efficiency class (EN 1822)
Test date<<FILL>>
Reason for test<<FILL: periodic / post-disturbance / new install>>
Method reference<<FILL: ISO 14644-3 installed leak test>>

Section B: instruments and conditions

FieldEntry
Aerosol generator / challenge agent<<FILL: e.g. PAO / DEHS>>
Photometer (or discrete counter) ID, calibration due<<FILL>>
Airflow velocity at test<<FILL: must be the qualified velocity>>
Scan probe-to-filter distance<<FILL: e.g. ~25 mm>>
Scan rate<<FILL: per the method>>

Section C: challenge and acceptance

FieldEntryDefinition
Upstream challenge concentration<<FILL>>Must be recorded, or penetration cannot be calculated
Upstream concentration within the method rangeYes / NoToo low invalidates the scan
Penetration acceptance limit<<FILL: conventionally 0.01% for a scan test>>No point may exceed this

Section D: scan result

FieldEntry
Full filter face scanned in overlapping strokesYes / No
Frame seal / gasket perimeter scannedYes / No (the most common real leak location)
Maximum penetration observed<<FILL: %>>
ResultPass / Fail

Section E: leaks, repair, and retest

Leak locationPenetration %Repair actionRetest penetration %Retest P/F
<<FILL>><<FILL>><<FILL: re-seat / re-seal / replace>><<FILL>><<FILL>>

A leak is repaired and retested; it is not “passed” by re-reading without repair.

Section F: sign-off

RoleNameSignatureDate
Tester<<FILL>>
Reviewed (QA)<<FILL>>
Next test due<<FILL: typically every 6-12 months for critical filters>>

References

ISO 14644-3:2019 (installed filter system leakage test). EU GMP Annex 1 (2022). EN 1822 (filter classification, factory efficiency).

Describe these standards by number and title; do not paste their clauses.


Filled specimen

FieldEntry
Filter ID / positionHEPA-A-07, Grade A ceiling, filling zone
Filter classH14
Challenge agentPAO
Upstream concentrationrecorded, within method range
Acceptance limitno point above 0.01% penetration
Frame seal scannedYes
Maximum penetration observed0.018% at the downstream frame seal, north corner
ResultFail on first scan
RepairGasket re-seated
Retest penetration0.004%
Retest resultPass

The specimen shows the two points inspectors test: the frame seal was scanned (where the leak actually was), and the leak was repaired and retested rather than re-read to a pass.

Common inspection findings this form prevents

  • Filter efficiency certification presented as if it were the installed leak test.
  • The frame seal not scanned, so the most common real leak is missed.
  • Upstream challenge concentration not recorded, so penetration cannot be calculated.
  • A leak “passed” by re-reading without any repair.
  • The test overdue, or run at the wrong airflow velocity.

How to adapt this form

  1. Set the acceptance limit and scan parameters from your method and the current standard.
  2. Record the upstream concentration every time; it is not optional.
  3. Add a filter map so each position has a traceable ID.
  4. Set the retest interval from filter criticality and your requalification schedule.
  5. File the record with the room’s qualification and requalification package.
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