IT and life sciences are full of specialist abbreviations that can be confusing for non-technical stakeholders and busy scientists alike. This FAQ-style guide brings together the most common Life Sciences IT acronyms, explaining what they mean and why they matter, so your teams can communicate clearly and make better-informed decisions about technology and compliance.

What is GMP?

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. It refers to the systems and regulations that ensure products are consistently produced and controlled in accordance with quality standards. In manufacturing and production roles, it is important to ensure compliance and maintain high-quality products.

Example: “Our manufacturing process strictly follows GMP guidelines to ensure product safety and efficacy.”

(Category: Quality Assurance in Life Sciences)

What is GLP?

GLP stands for Good Laboratory Practice. It governs the rules for non-clinical laboratory studies that support research or marketing permits for products, focusing on record-keeping and adherence to regulatory protocols in lab environments.

Example: “The lab complies with GLP to ensure that our study data are credible and meet regulatory standards.”

(Category: Laboratory Compliance in Life Sciences)

What is ICH?

ICH is the International Council for Harmonisation, a body that brings together regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry to discuss scientific and technical aspects of drug registration.

Example: “Our clinical trial protocols align with ICH guidelines to streamline regulatory approval in multiple regions.”

(Category: Regulatory Affairs in Life Sciences)

What is IT in Life Sciences?

IT stands for Information Technology, encompassing computer systems, software, networking, and data management, which are critical to supporting life sciences research, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance.

Example: “Our IT infrastructure supports secure data storage and analytics integral to our R&D pipeline.”

(Category: Information Technology in Life Sciences)

What is IVD?

IVD stands for In Vitro Diagnostics, referring to medical devices and reagents used to perform tests on samples taken from the human body to diagnose diseases or other conditions.

Example: “The new IVD device received CE marking and complies with the latest EU regulations.”

(Category: Medical Devices in Life Sciences)

What is IAM?

IAM is an acronym for Identity and Access Management, a framework of policies and technologies that ensures the right individuals have secure access to the right resources.

Example: “Implementing IAM helped us control access to sensitive clinical data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.”

(Category: IT Security in Life Sciences)

What is CRM?

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It includes technologies and strategies for managing customer and client interactions, which are particularly significant for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Example: “Our CRM system tracks all communications with healthcare providers to improve sales and service.”

(Category: Business Operations in Life Sciences)

What is QA?

QA means Quality Assurance, the systematic activities implemented in a quality system to ensure that products meet required standards.

Example: “The QA team conducted audits to verify that the production process met all regulatory requirements.”

(Category: Quality Management in Life Sciences)

What is QC?

QC stands for Quality Control, the operational techniques and activities used to fulfil quality requirements.

Example: “QC testing confirmed that the batch of reagents complied with all specifications.”

(Category: Quality Management in Life Sciences)

What is R&D?

R&D is Research and Development; the investigative activities a company undertakes to innovate and introduce new products and services.

Example: “Our R&D department is developing a novel drug formulation to enhance patient outcomes.”

(Category: Innovation in Life Sciences)

If you have other acronyms related to IT or Life Sciences, or would like explanations for specific terms, please submit them. This will help ensure clarity and relevance to UK IT practices within the life sciences sector.

This FAQ is designed to support both technical professionals and business stakeholders in navigating the complex terminology commonly used in Life Sciences IT, thereby fostering a better understanding and communication in the field.