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By Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey - June 17, 2025

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, founder of PharmaGuru.co, is a highly experienced Analytical Research Expert with over 31 years in the pharmaceutical industry. He has played a key role in advancing innovation across leading Indian and global pharmaceutical companies. He can be reached at admin@pharmaguru.co

Learn how to set up Identification test specifications for pharmaceuticals

How to Define Identification Test specifications For Pharmaceuticals: Learn in 3 Minutes

Identification Test is a procedure used to confirm the identity of a pharmaceutical. The test ensures that the substance under examination is what it is claimed to be. The identification test is critical in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products.

Identification Test

An identification test in pharmaceutical analysis is a procedure used to confirm the identity of a pharmaceutical substance, such as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or a drug product, to ensure it is as described and free from contamination or adulteration.

Purpose Identification Test:

The following are the 3 main purposes of the identification test:

  1. To confirm the identity of the substance or product.
  2. To verify the quality and purity of the pharmaceutical material.
  3. To ensure that the drug corresponds to the labelled ingredient and is free from unapproved substances.

Analytical Methods For Identification Tests

Both traditional and Instrumental methods are used to perform identification tests such as:

  1. Chemical Reactions: Specific chemical reactions that give distinctive results for the substance being tested.
  2. Examples of Identification Tests: A test might use a specific reagent that reacts with a known functional group in the substance to produce a colored solution, indicating the substance’s identity.
  3. Chromatographic Methods: A sample might be run on a chromatographic system (like HPLC or TLC) and the resulting pattern compared to that of a standard to confirm its identity.
  4. Spectroscopic Methods: An API’s IR spectrum might be compared with a reference spectrum to confirm its identity.

How to set up identification test specifications for pharmaceuticals

  • Keep at least two tests in the pharmaceutical identification test specification
  • Out of the above two tests, one test should be spectroscopic (preferably by IR or UV spectroscopy) and the Second test should be either by chromatography, such as HPLC, GC or TLC or by chemical method
  • If a molecule is chiral, then chiral chromatography identification (such as chiral HPLC or Chiral GC) or identification by specific optical rotation should be kept

Case Studies:

Identification Test By IR:

The infrared absorption spectrum of, pharmaceutical sample is concordant with the reference spectrum of the reference standard of the pharmaceutical

Identification Test By HPLC or GC

The analyte peaks in the chromatogram obtained with the test solution correspond to the analyte peaks in the
chromatogram obtained with the reference solution. In the following GC identification chromatogram each peak in the sample chromatogram is matched with its corresponding reference standard peak in the standard chromatogram

Identification Test
Specified vs. Unspecified Impurities

Identification by Chiral chromatography

Retention time of the main pek in the sample chromatogram should match with the retention time of the desired isomer peak in the reference standard chromatogram

Identification by TLC

The Rf of the main spot in the sample solution should match with its correponding standard Rf in the standard solution

Conclusion:

Identification tests are essential for confirming that pharmaceutical products are as they should be. The results from these tests can prevent errors, such as incorrect drugs being used in formulations, and ensure drugs meet the required standards for safety and efficacy.

Related:

FAQs

What is an identification test in pharmaceutical analysis?

An identification test in pharmaceutical analysis is a procedure used to confirm the identity of a pharmaceutical substance, such as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or a drug product, to ensure it is as described and free from contamination or adulteration.

Why are identification tests important in pharmaceutical analysis?

These tests are crucial to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. They help verify that the substance is correctly identified, authentic, and free from harmful impurities, preventing adverse effects in patients.

Can identification tests detect counterfeit drugs?

Yes, identification tests can help detect counterfeit drugs by verifying whether the substance matches the expected identity of the genuine product. Spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, in particular, are useful for identifying discrepancies in composition.

What methods are commonly used for identification tests?

  • Answer: Common methods include:
    • Physical properties (color, taste, odor, appearance)
    • Chemical reactions (specific reagents reacting with the substance)
    • Spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR, NMR, Mass Spectrometry)
    • Chromatographic methods (TLC, HPLC)

How does chromatography help in identification tests?

Chromatography, such as Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), separates the components of a substance. The resulting chromatograms are compared to reference standards to confirm the identity of the substance based on its retention time or movement.

What is the role of spectroscopic methods in identification tests?

Spectroscopic methods like UV-Vis, IR, and NMR are used to obtain a unique spectral fingerprint of a substance. This helps identify the presence of specific functional groups or molecular structures, which can be compared to reference standards to confirm identity.

How does UV-Vis spectroscopy identify a substance?

UV-Vis spectroscopy measures the absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by a substance. Each compound absorbs light at characteristic wavelengths, creating a unique absorption spectrum. By comparing this spectrum with a known standard, the substance can be identified.

What are the regulatory guidelines for identification tests?

Regulatory bodies like the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) set standards for identification testing methods. These guidelines ensure that the tests are accurate, reliable, and reproducible for pharmaceutical substances.

What is the difference between identification tests and purity tests?

Identification tests confirm the substance’s identity, while purity tests assess the level of contaminants or impurities in the substance. Both are critical for ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

How is IR spectroscopy used for identification?

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy identifies specific functional groups within a molecule by measuring the absorption of infrared light at various wavelengths. The resulting spectrum provides a “fingerprint” of the compound, which can be compared to a reference standard to confirm its identity.

What are the limitations of identification tests?

Limitations can include:

  • Interference from impurities: Impurities can sometimes interfere with the identification process.
  • Complex samples: Mixed or poorly defined substances may make identification more challenging.
  • Method sensitivity: Some methods may not be sensitive enough to detect very small amounts of a substance.

How is mass spectrometry used in identification tests?

Mass spectrometry (MS) identifies substances based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The resulting data can be used to determine the molecular structure and composition of a substance, allowing for precise identification of an API or pharmaceutical product.

What is the role of TLC in pharmaceutical identification?

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) separates compounds in a mixture by their affinity to a stationary phase. The pattern of spots formed on the TLC plate can be compared to a reference standard to confirm the identity of the substance.

Further Reading

About Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey
Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, founder of PharmaGuru.co, is a highly experienced Analytical Research Expert with over 31 years in the pharmaceutical industry. He has played a key role in advancing innovation across leading Indian and global pharmaceutical companies. He can be reached at admin@pharmaguru.co

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