Follow
1.0 OBJECTIVE : To set up a general guideline for the operation and cleaning of Incubator.
2.0 SCOPE : This SOP is applicable for operation and cleaning of Bacteriological Incubator I, II & III.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 Operating personnel is responsible for carrying out the procedure.
3.2 Overall responsibility for training, implementation & follow-up with the QC Manager or his nominee.
4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
4.1 Head of Quality.
5.0 PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Ensure the door is properly closed while running the chamber.
5.2 Keep the ventilator partly open.
5.3 Do not keep the chamber in high temperature area.
6.0 PROCEDURE
6.1 Operation
6.1.1 Connect the incubator to the mains.
6.1.2 Untight the ventilation screw [on the middle of the right side wall of the incubator] to open it partially.
6.1.3 Turn on the switch of the incubator located on the upper part of the right hand side wall of the instrument to on the inside chamber motor and heater supply and temperature controller.
6.1.4 The lower part of the temperature controller display will show the set temperature and upper part will show the actual inside temperature of the incubator.
6.1.5 Set the desired temperature by pressing increment key (▲) [to increase the temperature] or decrement key (▼) [to decrease the temperature].
6.1.6 Move and fix the “Safety Thermostat” knob to the temperature same as that of the set temperature.
6.1.7 When the temperature is reached to the desired level, place culture plates and bottles in the incubator for required period of time.
6.1.8 After incubation collect the culture plates and bottles.
6.1.9 Monitoring frequency: Monitoring the incubators temperature twice daily and put the data in the Annexure-I.
6.2 Cleaning
6.2.1 Clean inside of the chamber after every seven days with clean cloth soaked with 70% IPA.
6.2.2 Clean outer surface and all parts of instrument carefully once a week.
6.2.3 Clean the shelves with detergent and purified water once in three months. Then wipe with clean cloth soaked with 70% IPA.
6.2.4 Clean the PT-100 sensor tip with the help of a smooth polish paper every month.
