Follow
1.0 OBJECTIVE : To set up a standardized general procedure for the operation of membrane filtration apparatus.
2.0 SCOPE : This SOP is applicable for the operation of Membrane filtration apparatus used in the Microbiology laboratory of (Company Name).
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 Place the membrane filter on the filter support carefully and aseptically.
5.2 The pump must be switched off after completion of the work.
6.0 PROCEDURE
6.1 Operation
6.1.1 Place the manifold on the bench of the laminar air flow workstation at a suitable work position and carry out the whole procedure under the laminar air flow workstation.
6.1.2 Place sterilized funnels on the three branches of the manifold of the filtration apparatus.
6.1.3 Press the rubber stopper placed under the funnel basement against the manifold to make the join airtight.
6.1.4 Connect the manifold to the suction conical flask with the rubber tube.
6.1.5 Connect the suction conical flask to the vacuum pump.
6.1.6 Take a sterile membrane filter.
6.1.7 Remove the funnel from the funnel basement and place the filter on the filter support carefully and aseptically with a forcep tips.
6.1.8 Place the funnel softly on the funnel basement so that filter on the filter support is not disrupted or misplaced.
6.1.9 Carry out the steps 6.1.5 to 6.1.7 to place each membrane filter on each funnel.
6.1.10 Pour desired amount of water sample in the funnels and open the valves of each branch of the manifold.
6.1.11 Press the start button of the suction pump and allowed the water to be filtered.
6.1.12 After the completion of the filtration, stop the valves of the branches of the manifold.
6.1.13 Remove the funnels from the funnel basements and take the membrane filter out aseptically with a forcep tips and process the membrane filter as per test requirements.
6.1.14 After the completion of the work switch off the pump, remove the funnels from the manifold and discard the filtrate, filtered in the suction conical flask.
