SOP on Operation, Temperature Verification, Cleaning and Maintenance of Dry Bath Incubator
1.0 Objective
1.1 To lay down the procedure for operation, temperature verification (calibration check), cleaning, and maintenance of the Dry Bath Incubator used in the Microbiology Laboratory.
2.0 Scope
2.1 This SOP is applicable to the operation, temperature verification, cleaning, and maintenance of the Dry Bath Incubator installed in the Microbiology Laboratory of the Quality Control Department.
3.0 Responsibility
3.1 Microbiologist or above – Microbiology Laboratory: Execution of operation, temperature verification, cleaning, and documentation.
3.2 Head – Microbiology Section / Nominee: Review of records and ensuring compliance with the procedure.
4.0 Accountability
4.1 Head – Quality Control / Nominee: Overall implementation and compliance of the SOP.
5.0 Procedure
5.1 Operation
5.1.1 Connect the power cord of the Dry Bath Incubator to the main electrical supply.
5.1.2 Switch ON the mains and then switch ON the power supply of the heating block using the switch provided at the rear side of the unit.
5.1.3 Gently place the appropriate heating block(s) into the block chamber.
5.1.4 Place the required Endotoxin tubes (10 × 75 mm) into the wells of the heating block.
5.1.5 Set the required temperature on the temperature controller using the shift, increment, and decrement keys. Press the “Set” key to confirm and accept the set value.
5.1.6 Set the required alarm mode as per test requirements using the alarm setup function.
5.1.7 After the unit reaches the set temperature, allow the test tubes to incubate for the specified time period without disturbance or vibration.
5.1.8 Record the operational details in Annexure (Dry Bath Incubator Log Book).
5.2 Temperature Verification
5.2.1 Set the temperature to 37°C for verification.
5.2.2 Take twelve (12) endotoxin-free reaction tubes (10 × 75 mm) and add approximately 0.5 ml of purified water into each tube.
5.2.3 Place the tubes in the heating block wells as per Diagram–1 and allow them to stand for a few minutes to stabilize the water temperature.
5.2.4 Insert a calibrated thermometer into one tube for a few seconds. Record the thermometer reading and the corresponding display temperature of the Dry Bath Incubator.
5.2.5 Remove the thermometer and wipe it with tissue paper to remove water droplets.
5.2.6 Repeat the procedure for all remaining eleven tubes.
5.2.7 Record all thermometer readings and corresponding display temperatures in Annexure.
5.3 Precautions
5.3.1 Place the Dry Bath Incubator on a hard, stable, and vibration-free surface.
5.3.2 Do not disturb the incubator or the working table during incubation.
5.3.3 Ensure proper ambient temperature conditions to maintain accuracy and temperature control.
5.4 Frequency of Temperature Verification (Calibration Check)
- Frequency: Once in a month
- Acceptance Criteria: 37 ± 1°C
If the observed temperature is outside the acceptance criteria, inform the Head – Microbiology and initiate corrective action as per deviation procedure.
5.5 Cleaning
5.5.1 Switch OFF and unplug the equipment before cleaning.
5.5.2 Clean the external surface of the Dry Bath Incubator using a soft damp cloth soaked in 70% IPA.
5.5.3 Remove the heating blocks and clean them using mild detergent solution and a soft brush.
5.5.4 Ensure that the blocks are completely dry before placing them back into the unit.
5.6 Maintenance
5.6.1 Clean the heating blocks regularly to avoid residue accumulation.
5.6.2 Do not place the dust cover on the equipment during operation and for at least 45 minutes after switching OFF.
5.6.3 Maintain appropriate ambient temperature for better performance and accuracy.
5.6.4 Unplug the equipment from the mains when not in use or during maintenance activities.
5.6.5 Any malfunction shall be reported to the Engineering/Maintenance Department and documented.
6.0 List of Annexures
Annexure – I: Dry Bath Incubator Log Book (Operation Record)
Annexure – II: Temperature Verification Record
SOP For Operation, Cleaning and Maintenance of Fogger and Fogging of Microbiology Testing Areas