Excel Spreadsheet Validation 2018: Tools and Techniques to Meet FDA Requirements

Spreadsheets such as Excel, are available for creating a wide range of end user applications, including widespread use in the laboratory, creating customized statistical analyses, the creation of local databases, data mining, and multivariate analysis. These may be used for GxP regulated activities, and they present particular compliance challenges, as Excel and other spreadsheets are not originally designed for the regulated environment. GxP records generated by spreadsheet calculations are electronic records and should comply with FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 and the European Annex 11. For critical records Part 11 controls, such as data accuracy and data integrity, should be implemented. Currently there are no specific industry FDA guidelines on using spreadsheets in regulated environments. However, the flexibility and power of the spreadsheet allows users to create tools that range from performing simple calculations to sophisticated analysis of a major clinical study, or laboratory or manufacturing data.