Which stage of equipment qualification verifies installation is correct according to specifications?

• A. IQ
• B. OQ
• C. PQ
• D. QA Audit

Answer: (A)

Installation Qualification focuses on the actual setup of the equipment, ensuring it is installed exactly as specified by design and vendor requirements. It checks that the equipment sits in the right place, is connected correctly, has the right utilities, and is accompanied by proper documentation and records. This stage establishes that the physical installation matches what the system was intended to be, which is the essential first step before any testing of operation or performance.

Operational Qualification then verifies that the equipment operates as intended under controlled conditions, and Performance Qualification confirms it performs reliably under real-use conditions. A QA Audit is a broader quality assurance review of processes and compliance, not the step that verifies installation against specifications.