SOP For Cleaning of Glassware for Microbiology Laboratory
1.0 Objective
1.1 To establish a procedure for proper cleaning of glassware used in the Microbiology Laboratory to ensure removal of residues and prevention of contamination.
2.0 Scope
2.1 This SOP is applicable to all glassware used in the Microbiology Laboratory, including glassware used for culture handling, media preparation, and microbiological analysis.
3.0 Responsibility
3.1 Microbiologist or above – Microbiology Laboratory:
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Execution of cleaning procedure as per this SOP.
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Ensuring proper handling and segregation of contaminated glassware.
3.2 Head – Microbiology Section / Nominee:
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Supervision and ensuring compliance with this SOP.
4.0 Accountability
4.1 Head – Quality Control / Nominee:
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Overall compliance and implementation of this SOP.
5.0 Procedure
5.1 Pre-Cleaning Precautions
5.1.1 Dispose of any remaining corrosive, hazardous, or chemical materials used during analysis before sending glassware for washing.
5.1.2 Glassware containing microbial cultures shall be autoclaved in the designated vertical autoclave for decontamination prior to cleaning.
5.2 Disposal of Contents
5.2.1 Empty liquid contents of glassware into the wash basin.
5.2.2 Dispose of solid residues into designated waste containers (e.g., polythene bags) for proper destruction as per waste disposal procedure.
5.3 Removal of Labels and Stains
5.3.1 Remove stains, markings, or labels made with glass marking pens by wiping the outer surface with acetone.
5.3.2 Scrub gently using a suitable scrubber and rinse thoroughly with tap water.
5.3.3 For stubborn stains or difficult residues, treat glassware with dilute nitric acid and allow contact for approximately 30 minutes.
5.3.4 After acid treatment, rinse thoroughly with tap water to remove all traces of acid.
5.4 Washing and Rinsing
5.4.1 Immerse the glassware in 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) for approximately 30 minutes.
5.4.2 Rinse thoroughly with tap water until all cleaning agents and residues are completely removed.
5.4.3 Perform a final rinse using an adequate quantity of Purified Water to ensure removal of any remaining impurities.
5.5 Drying
5.5.1 After final rinsing, place the glassware in a hot air oven.
5.5.2 Dry at a temperature range of 85°C to 100°C until completely dry.
5.6 Special Precaution for Culture Glassware
5.6.1 Glassware used for microbial cultures must be autoclaved in a designated vertical autoclave prior to washing.
5.6.2 After autoclaving, follow the cleaning procedure as described above.