1. OBJECTIVE
To lay down the procedure for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Incubator
2. SCOPE
This SOP is applicable to Microbiology Laboratory
3. RESPONSIBILITY
• Microbiologist
4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• N/A
5. PROCEDURE
5.1 Operating Procedure
5.1.1 Ensure that the incubator is properly connected to the power supply.
5.1.2 Switch ‘ON’ the main switch and then the cabinet switch.
5.1.3 Set the required temperature to 37.0 °C by pressing the ‘set knob and soft keys.
5.1.4 Monitor the temperature daily as per following procedure.
5.1.5 Temperature shall be recorded which is displayed on LCD of the controller of the incubator.
5.1.6 Observe the temperature shown on the digital display. The temperature should not differ by + 2 °C.
5.1.7 Temperature of incubator having online printer shall be recorded in printout chart.
5.1.8 Take the print out on monthly basis.
5.1.9 If the online recording system is not working properly inform Manager-QC and put ‘Out of Order’ label.
5.1.10 Once the printer is rectified, a comment shall be written on the printout for the gap period.
5.1.11 Report any discrepancy observed during operation or temperature monitoring to Manager-QC.
5.1.12 Inform to Engineering Department for rectification and put the status label of ‘Under Maintenance’.
5.2 Cleaning Procedure
5.2.1 Ensure that the power supply to the incubator is switched OFF.
5.2.2 De-dust the incubator daily externally with a clean dry cloth.
5.2.3 Once in a week remove adhered dust by wet mopping using soap solution. Afterward, wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth to remove the moisture.
5.2.4 Mop the interior surfaces with a clean dry cloth, daily
5.3 Calibration Procedure
Frequency: Yearly once
5.3.1 Maintain the record of incubator usage
5.3.2 Ensure that material under test is not being disturbed during the calibration procedure.
5.3.3 Calibration of incubator is carried out by Five PT 100 probe situated on four corners and one in the center of chamber inside the incubator.
5.3.4 For calibration of incubator scan the all four PT 100 probes by pressing the SCANNER key on the universal controller of incubator for 24 hours.
5.3.5 After scanning take the print out of the temperature mapping of 24hrs duration by pressing the PRINT Key on the universal controller of the incubator.
5.3.6 Record the minimum and maximum temperature attained during 24 hours temperature mapping and record them in calibration record of the bacteriological incubator.
5.3.7 Observe all temperature value is within ± 2 tolerance limit to the set temperature value
5.3.8 If PT 100 probes are not available then digital thermometers can be used for calibration.
6. RELATED DOCUMENTS
Operational Log Book of Incubators – Annex-I
Cleaning Log Book of Incubators – Annex-II
Calibration Log Book of Incubators – 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
QC Quality Control
9. REVISION HISTORY
| Revision No. | Issue Date | Supersedes | Reason of Change / Description |
| Revision No. Dated | |||
| 00 | 20/08/2022 | 00 N/A | First Version |