LAUSR

Purpose Antimicrobial activity of drug products containing antibiotics is often measured using microbiological assays. However, the high values of measurement uncertainty associated with the analytical results obtained from microbiological assays may be an issue to conformity decisions. Methods The aim of this work was to estimate the risk of false decisions in conformity assessment due to measurement uncertainty for the potency of apramycin in pharmaceutical drug products. Monte Carlo method (MCM) simulations were performed in order to estimate global consumers’ ( R c ) and producers’ ( R p ) risks using a Bayesian approach and specific consumers’ ( R ′ c ) and producers’ ( R ′ p ) risks using a frequentist approach. Results Despite of the high value of measurement uncertainty, R c and R p were found to be 0.0% and 0.3%, respectively. However, R ′ c and R ′ p were found to be high when the analytical result is close to the specification limits. Risk estimation using Bayesian approach is recommended to be applied by manufacturers, while frequentist approach may be an alternative to regulatory and third-party laboratories.