Identifying Raw Materials Inside Containers Using a Handheld Raman Spectrometer

Importance of the topic

Pharmaceutical firms must verify raw materials per cGMP to secure quality and comply with regulations. Traditional sampling is laborious, time-consuming and costly. Implementing non-destructive container-through identification can dramatically streamline warehouse workflows, enhance First Time Quality, and cut operating expenses.

Study objectives and overview

This white paper evaluates the Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer for raw material identification through both transparent and opaque packaging. It compares this SORS-based approach with conventional handheld Raman devices regarding efficiency, cost, and scalability in a typical pharmaceutical warehouse setting.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) principle: separates illumination and collection zones to extract material spectra while suppressing container contributions.
• Agilent Vaya system: handheld, SORS-enabled Raman spectrometer capable of identifying materials through multilayer paper sacks, big bags, HDPE bottles, tubs, drums.

Main results and discussion

• Identification times: lactose monohydrate detected in a three-layer paper sack in 80 seconds; citric acid in an HDPE bottle in 15 seconds, without sampling.
• Cost and time analysis: for 1,200 samples/month, Vaya reduces operator hours by roughly 56% compared to conventional Raman, cutting annual ID costs from ~$83,000 to ~$37,000.
• Inventory and consumables: container handling, sampling booth use, PPE and disposables are significantly reduced, yielding additional annual savings (> $5,000 on inventory carrying costs, > $10,000 on disposables, and > $100 per sensitive-material container).
• Throughput: Vaya enables same-day availability of materials by completing tests in under 5 hours per 150 consignments versus ~10 hours with standard methods.
• ROI: over four years, a Vaya deployment (including validation and startup costs ~ $115k) yields a net present value of $114k (61% ROI), increasing to 107% ROI when scaling to 100% ID requirements.

Benefits and practical applications

• Non-destructive ID: materials verified without opening primary or secondary containers, preserving sterility and expiration.
• Labor efficiency: single-operator workflow eliminates sample booth logistics and reduces PPE and consumable use.
• Regulatory readiness: supports 100% ID compliance in global markets without additional staffing or equipment.
• Scalability: maintains low cost-per-test even as sample volumes and regulatory demands increase.

Future trends and opportunities

The adoption of handheld SORS Raman devices is poised to expand beyond raw material checks to in-line monitoring and environmental monitoring within production areas. Integration with warehouse management systems and data analytics platforms can further enhance traceability. Advances in handheld spectrometer sensitivity and miniaturization will drive broader implementation across pharmaceutical supply chains, food safety, and chemical manufacturing.

Conclusion

The Agilent Vaya SORS-based Raman spectrometer offers a transformative approach to raw material identification by enabling rapid, cost-effective, non-destructive testing through a variety of container types. This solution delivers substantial time and cost savings, high throughput, and compliance with stringent regulatory requirements, making it an attractive investment for pharmaceutical quality operations.

References

• Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 211.84
• EU GMP Annex 8: Sampling of Starting and Packaging Materials