SOP FOR OPERATION OF INCUBATOR

1.0     Objective:

               The objective of this Standard Operating Procedure is to lay down the procedure for operating the Incubator.

2.0          Scope:

               This SOP covers operating procedure of Incubator .

3.0          Responsibility:

               Microbiologist: Responsible for operation, calibration and maintenance of the instrument. Maintain required record.

               QA Officer/QAM: Review the records and governing the document.

4.0          Procedure:

4.1          Ensure that the instrument is visibly clean and free from dust.

4.2          Switch ‘ON’ the mains switch.

4.3        Switch on the power of instrument and observe that the LED of Temperature indicator displays the ambient value.

4.4          Press ‘SET’ key (Red Button) to pre-set the desired performance parameter.

4.5          The LED shall display the lat setting. Turn the setting knob clockwise for decrement until the LED displays the desired set value. Use the second knob for fine setting if required.

4.6          Depress (Release) the SET key.

4.7          The LED shall regain to display the ambient value of the chamber.

4.8          Now the unit will automatically perform to attain the set temperature with the on and off of the heater.

4.9          The heater selection switch is provided having positioned OFF, HIGH and LOW.

4.10   Select the switch initially at HIGH to attain the set point quickly. Turn it to LOW soon the display is reaching near to the set point for fine and accurate control, Thus to prevent the shooting up the temperature from the set value.

4.11   Select the LOW position if the set point is nearing the ambient for accurate and fine performance.

4.12  For natural air conventional system the ventilator vent is provided on the top of the unit, which may used depending upon the test for circulation of air so as to gain low gradient temperature in the chamber.  

5.0           Precaution:

5.1          Do not leave the door open for an extended period.

5.2       Load the samples quickly but gently and close the door properly with the locking the front lock. 

5.3      Do not overload the sample more than the chamber volume.

5.4      Avoid the placement of sample so close to each other so as to allow the proper circulation of heated air for maintaining even condition through out the chamber.

6.0          Routine maintenance:

6.1    Clean instrument with isopropyl alcohol. During cleaning, the instrument should be off.

6.2           Wipe the instrument with clean and dry cloth.

7.0          Documentation:    

7.1          Annexure - 1      Temperature record                             XXX/FRM/000

               Annexure – 2      Incubator usage logbook                      XXX/FRM/000

8.0          History of Revision:

Revision No.	Effective Date	Revision details	Reason for revision

Annexure – 1
Date	Time	Set Temperature ° C	Observed Temperature ° C	Recorded by	Remark
SOP No. : XXX/SOP/000-00                  Format No. : XXX/FRM/000-00

Annexure – 2
Date	Name of Sample	A. R. No.	Batch No.	Sample		Used by	Remark
				Kept	Taken
SOP No. : XXX/SOP/000-00                                                          Format No. : XXX/FRM/000-00