How should obsolescence of an SOP be handled?

• A. Delete the SOP from the system immediately with no notice
• B. Mark as obsolete, remove from active distribution, communicate to users, retain for audits/legal needs, archive appropriately
• C. Leave it in place but clearly label as obsolete without removing distribution
• D. Replace it with a new version but keep the old one unchanged

Answer: (B)

When an SOP is no longer valid, the proper approach is to mark it as obsolete, remove it from active distribution, communicate the change to users, and retain it for audits or legal needs while archiving it appropriately. This keeps the current procedures clearly in use and prevents accidental reliance on outdated steps, while preserving an auditable record of what existed and why it was superseded. Simply deleting it without notice loses important documentation for accountability; leaving it in place only as obsolete can still lead to confusion or accidental use; and replacing it with a new version but leaving the old one unchanged creates mixed sources of truth.