Standard operation procedure for Operation and Cleaning of Biological incubators
1.0 Purpose: To lay down a standard operating procedure for operation and temperature monitoring of B.O.D. incubators.
2.0 Scope: This procedure is applicable for operation and temperature monitoring of B.O.D. incubators in Microbiology lab.
3.0 Responsibility:
Microbiologist /Designee: To operation and temperature monitoring of B.O.D. incubators as per SOP.
Head/ Designee - QC: To review and ensure compliance of SOP.
Head/ Designee - QA: To approve, implement and ensure compliance of SOP.
4.0 Procedure:
4.1 Cleaning:
4.1.1 Switch off the power supply to the incubator.
4.1.2 Remove all items, shelves, samples from the incubator.
4.1.3 Clean the incubators from outside with dry cloth daily and weekly with wet cloth dipped in disinfectant solution (70% IPA).
4.1.4 Switch “ON” the main supply and switch “ON” the incubators.
4.2 OPERATING PROCEDURE:
4.2.1 Ensure that the incubator is properly connected to the power supply. Keep inner glass door and outer door closed to maintained the set temperature.
4.2.2 Switch on the main .
4.2.3 Set the incubator at 22.5°C, 32.5°C or 43°C as per requirement by pressing SET key.
4.2.4 Set the higher temperature 2-3°C upper side from the set value by using black screw like knob.
4.2.5 Record the temperature twice daily. i.e. in the morning and in the evening. The temperature should not differ ± 2° C from the set temperature.
4.2.6 Report any discrepancy observed during operation or temperature monitoring to Q.C. Head and notify the defect to Maintenance Department.
5.0 CALIBRATION:
5.1 Set the incubator temperature to 22°C. Wait till the set temperature is reached.
5.2 Take a calibrated thermometer and dip it in a 500 ml beaker filled to 3/4 of the volume with Glycerol AR grade.
5.3 Keep the beaker inside, at the center of the incubator. close the incubator door. Allow the temperature to equilibrate for 30 minutes.
5.4 Observe the temperature shown by the thermometer. The temperature shown by the
display and by thermometer shall not differ by more than 0.5°C.
5.5 Record the temperature at two time intervals ( with a gap of 6 hours) in the temperature record.
5.6 By following the same procedure as above carry out calibration by setting the incubator temperature to 33°C, 43°C and 55°C.
5.7 Record any discrepancy observed during operation or during temperature monitoring to Quality Control Executive and notify the defect to technical assistant for rectification. Affix “BREAK DOWN” label on the instrument.
5.8 Calibration Frequency: Once in a year by external party or after major maintenance or repairs.
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