SOP on Operation, Calibration, Cleaning and Maintenance of Bacteriological Incubator
Make: Thermolab
1.0 Objective
1.1 To lay down the procedure for Operation, Calibration, Cleaning and Maintenance of the Bacteriological Incubator used in the Microbiology Laboratory.
2.0 Scope
2.1 This SOP is applicable to the Bacteriological Incubator installed in the Microbiology Laboratory of the Quality Control Department.
3.0 Responsibility
3.1 Microbiologist or above – Microbiology Laboratory: Preparation and implementation of the SOP and recording of operational details.
3.2 Head – Microbiology Section / Nominee: Checking and review of the SOP and records.
4.0 Accountability
4.1 Head – Quality Control / Nominee: Ensuring compliance with this SOP.
5.0 Procedure
5.1 Operation
5.1.1 Start-Up
5.1.1.1 Ensure that the power cord is properly connected to the incubator and switch ON the mains supply.
5.1.1.2 Switch ON the mains switch provided on the left side of the incubator.
5.1.1.3 The temperature controller display will show:
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SV (Set Value) – Set temperature
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PV (Process Value) – Actual chamber temperature
5.1.2 Operation of Temperature Controller
5.1.2.1 Press the SEL key on the temperature controller.
5.1.2.2 Navigate to the LOC option and set it to “0” (Open mode).
5.1.2.3 Return to the original display by pressing the SEL key for a few seconds.
5.1.2.4 Adjust the required temperature using increment and decrement keys.
5.1.2.5 Lock the display settings by setting LOC to 1.
5.1.2.6 Set the safety thermostat at 5°C above the set temperature.
5.1.3 Operation of Printer / PC Interface Panel
5.1.3.1 Press SEL key – “DISPLAY NO.” will flash. Set value as “01” and press Enter.
5.1.3.2 Press SEL – “SET TIME DATE” will appear. Adjust if required and press Enter.
5.1.3.3 Press SEL – “PRINT INTERVAL” will appear. Set to 15 minutes and press Enter.
5.1.3.4 Press SEL – “PAGE LENGTH” will appear. Set to 68 (Enter “0” for continuous print).
5.1.3.5 Press SEL – “PRINT PAGE #” will appear. Set required page number and press Enter.
5.1.3.6 Press SEL – “PRINT DATE DATA” will appear. Select:
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“ONE” – Print for selected date only
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“NEXT” – Print from selected date onwards
5.1.3.7 Press SEL – “PRINT CONTROL” menu will appear (used during printing only).
Sub-functions:
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SET PAGE – Press Enter for page header
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PRINT CURRENT – Print current temperature
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STOP OLD PRINT – Stop previous printing
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RESET PAGE NO. – Reset to page 01
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RESET PRINT – Reset stored print data
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RESET DSU UNIT – Do not operate unless required
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RESET ALL MEMORY – Do not operate unless required
5.1.3.8 Press SEL – “PASSWORD V 6.4F” will appear. Enter password and press Enter.
5.1.3.9 Press SEL – “PRINT MEMORY PC MEMORY” will display used memory.
5.1.3.10 Press SEL – “DSU NO.” Enter specific DSU number.
5.1.3.11 Press SEL – “MEM ALARM PROG.” Select “PRINT + PC MEM” and press Enter.
5.1.3.12 Press SEL – “CONTROLLER NO.” Select required controller and press Enter.
5.1.3.13 Press SEL – “DISPLAY ALL.” Set to “01” and press Enter.
5.1.4 Operation of Scanner
5.1.4.1 Follow steps 5.1.3.1 to 5.1.3.10 for scanner setup.
5.1.4.2 Press SEL – “CHANNEL GR NO.” will appear.
5.1.4.3 Press SEL – “DISPLAY ALL” will appear. Set to “01” to display parameters of two controllers simultaneously.
5.2 Calibration
5.2.1 Calibration of:
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Temperature Controller
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Sensors
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Safety Thermostat
shall be performed by an external authorized agency once per year.
5.2.2 Calibration records shall be maintained.
5.3 Cleaning
5.3.1 Internal Cleaning
5.3.1.1 Switch OFF mains and disconnect power plug.
5.3.1.2 Transfer materials to another incubator maintained at equal temperature.
5.3.1.3 Remove trays and keep safely.
5.3.1.4 Clean internal surfaces using lint-free cloth and approved disinfectant. Allow to dry.
5.3.1.5 Clean trays separately and dry.
5.3.1.6 Replace trays and materials.
5.3.1.7 Reconnect power supply and switch ON incubator.
Frequency: Once weekly
5.3.2 External Cleaning
5.3.2.1 Clean external surfaces using lint-free cloth and disinfectant.
Frequency: Daily
5.4 Maintenance
5.4.1 Ensure regular internal and external cleaning.
5.4.2 Clean PT-100 sensor tip using smooth polish paper every 2 months.
5.4.3 Clean condenser by blowing air every 2 months.
5.4.4 Check chamber fan and condenser fan for tightness and proper operation.
5.4.5 Verify functioning of safety thermostat.
5.4.6 Check drainpipe at bottom of chamber for blockage.
5.4.7 Report any malfunction to Engineering/Maintenance Department and document accordingly.
5.5 Documentation
5.5.1 Record equipment usage and operational details in the Incubator Usage Record as per Annexure.
6.0 List of Annexures
Annexure – I: Bacteriological Incubator Log Book
SOP on Out of Specification (OOS) Results in Microbiology Laboratory