Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the pharmaceutical industry, QA and QC are two distinct but related functions. QC is product-oriented, while QA is process-oriented.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Quality Control (QC): This involves the actual testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products to ensure they meet specifications. It identifies defects after they have occurred (Option A and B).
2. Quality Assurance (QA): This is a broader administrative system. Its goal is to prevent defects by designing and monitoring the manufacturing processes. It ensures that every step of the process is capable of consistently producing a quality product.
3. Focus: QA focuses on documentation, training, validation, and audits to "build quality" from the start.
Step 3: Final Answer:
QA is a proactive approach that ensures quality is inherent in the manufacturing process itself, rather than just checking for it at the end.