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Icologiq Knowledge · Action
Correction
An action taken to eliminate a detected nonconformity or immediate problem; it fixes what is wrong now but does not necessarily eliminate the cause.
Also known as:
immediate correction, quality correction
At a glance
Type
Action
Topic
CAPA & Incidents
Applies to
Cross-industry
Current version
Status
Last reviewed
October 23, 2026
Definition
A correction is action taken to eliminate a detected nonconformity or immediate problem. Examples can include rework, replacement, fixing an incorrect record or restoring a process to the required condition. A correction addresses the detected issue itself; corrective action addresses the cause of the issue to prevent recurrence. A correction may be sufficient for an isolated problem, or it may be the immediate step before further investigation and corrective action.
Why it matters
Quality teams need to distinguish fixing the visible problem from preventing it from happening again. If a correction is recorded as corrective action, the issue can appear closed even though the underlying cause remains. Separating the two helps teams choose proportionate follow-up and makes CAPA decisions easier to defend.
Remove or repair the immediate nonconformity, defect or incorrect condition so the current issue is brought under control.
Fix the detected problem
Correction
Assess significance, recurrence and risk to determine whether the underlying cause needs to be investigated.
Decide whether further investigation is needed
Cause
When recurrence or systemic risk justifies it, define action that eliminates or mitigates the cause rather than only the symptom.
Address the cause where required
Corrective action
Preserve the rationale for correction-only closure or for escalation into corrective action so the decision remains auditable.
Document why the chosen response is sufficient
Evidence
Action explained
Correction and corrective action are not the same
Both may be needed, but they solve different problems. Keeping the distinction visible prevents an immediate fix from being mistaken for evidence that recurrence has been addressed.
A situation in which a product, process, activity or result fails to meet a defined requirement, specification, procedure or standard.
Nonconformance
Quality event
· CAPA & Incidents
An action taken to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity, incident or other unwanted condition and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Corrective Action
Process
· CAPA & Incidents
A structured process for addressing causes of actual or potential problems through corrective or preventive measures and verifying that actions are effective.
CAPA
Process
· CAPA & Incidents
An underlying factor that caused or contributed to a nonconformance or unwanted event and should be addressed so corrective action can reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Root Cause
Concept
· CAPA & Incidents
A systematic approach for identifying the underlying causes of a problem or event instead of addressing only its immediate symptoms.
Root Cause Analysis
Method
· CAPA & Incidents
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