1. OBJECTIVE
To lay down the procedure for operation, cleaning and calibration of Colony Counter
2. SCOPE
This procedure is applicable to Microbiological Laboratory
3. RESPONSIBILITY
• Microbiologist
• Manager QC
4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Don’t switch on the main board with wet hands
5. PROCEDURE
5.1 OPERATION
5.1.1 Clean the instrument with dry clean cotton cloth.
5.1.2 Switch ‘ON’ the main power supply.
5.1.3 Switch ‘ON’ the instrument.
5.1.4 Connect plug of the Auto Marker Pen to the probe socket provided on instrument.
5.1.5 Keep the petri dish on the Wolffhuegel glass of instrument.
5.1.6 Adjust the magnifier lens with the help of adjustable knob as convenient.
5.1.7 Switch ‘ON’ the illumination.
5.1.8 Press the ‘RESET’ button. The display will show 0000
5.1.9 Press the ‘AUDIO’ button.
5.1.10 Select the square of Wolffhuegel grid one by one and mark the colonies with the help of Auto Marker Pen.
5.1.11 The marking ensures counting of colonies and audio beep indicates that the count has been made.
5.1.12 Marking of all colonies can be observed through magnifier lens and counting should be done simultaneously which is shown on display.
5.1.13 Record the total number of cfu count from display in respective annexure.
5.1.14 Switch ‘OFF’ the illumination
5.1.15 Switch ‘OFF ‘the instrument.
5.1.16 Switch ‘OFF’ the main power supply.
5.1.17 Clean the instrument with clean, cotton cloth.
5.2 CLEANING
5.2.1 De-dust the external surface of colony counter and magnifier with lint free duster.
5.2.2 Wipe outer surface of instrument with 70% solution of IPA
5.3 CALIBRATION
Frequency: once in a month
5.3.1 Write the counting up to 100 on white paper.
5.3.2 Operate the instrument as per Operating Procedure.
5.3.3 Press the surface of counter screen 100 times with pointer/ marker and check the number displayed on the screen.
5.3.4 Reset the 000 and again press the manual button 100 times and check the number displayed on the screen.
5.3.5 Repeat the procedure for 5 times to ensure that calibration procedure give consistent result.
5.3.6 If the equipment does not produce desired calibration results or its response is poor then it should be label “OUT OF CALIBRATION” AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED.
6. RELATED DOCUMENTS
Operational Log Book Format – Annex I
Cleaning Log Book Format – Annex II
Calibration Report Format – Annex III
7. DISTRIBUTION INDEX
Original Copy will be retained by Quality Assurance Department.
| DISTRIBUTION INDEX | ||
|---|---|---|
| Distributed To | Copy No. | Received By/Date |
| Quality Control Department | 01 | , |
| Microbiological Lab | 01 | , |
8. ABBREVIATIONS
Q.C Quality Control Department
IPA Isopropyl Alcohol
9. REVISION HISTORY
| Revision No. | Issue Date | Supersedes | Reason of Change / Description |
| Revision No. Dated | |||
| 00 | 20/08/2022 | 00 N/A | First Version |