SOP for the operation of Air sampler

I.                   PURPOSE

             To describe the procedure for the operation of Air sampler.

II.                SCOPE:

      This procedure is applicable to the Air sampler in Microbiology Department…..

 

III.       RESPONSIBILITY

Assistant – Microbiologist.

IV.       ACCOUNTABILITY

Incharge  - Quality Control

V.        PROCEDURE

1.0         The Merck air sampler –100 aspirates 100 Lt. of air per minute, allowing upto 2000 L to be    

            sampled  per cycle.This performance enables sampling to be carried out according to strict   

            conditions of monitoring in sterile and clean areas.

2.0       Volume setting

2.1                   First press the ‘YES ‘button on the front side of Merck air sampler and it will         

                      display the pre-set volume on the LCD display.

2.2                  The present volumes are 0 to 2000 L. Then press the litres button to set the desired      

                     volume (set to 1000 lt).

                3.0        Delay Timer Setting

3.1   To modify the time setting, hold down the start/delay button. Then the display   

        shows previously selected value and starts to count down the time(LCD display           

         slashes ).Time can be changed in increments of 5 min. upto 1 hour. To stop press   

         on/off button .

           

4.0    Charging the system

4.1   When the icon  starts to flash on the LCD display,it indicates that the                 batteries have to be charged. Once the flashing starts ,the system still has         enough power left to process approximately 5 more sampling cycles of          1000 liters each.

                       4.2    Connect the charger socket  to the pin given in the air sampler  and 

                                 plug  to the power socket.

             4.3  Then the LCD display shows “AC”(active charge). 

4.4   The battery icon remains visible on the LCD display until the    

          batteries are completely charged and it takes about 3.5 hours. 

4.5   Once the battery is fully  charged we can use it for approximately      50000 L of air.

4.6   Use always pre-incubated agar plates.

4.7   The sieve should be sterilized by means of autoclaving at 121°C for 30         minutes before use.

5.0    Air sampling procedure:

                           5.1    Take the MAS-100, perforated sieve and pre –incubated plates in SS box                                            to the aseptic area through the hatch.

5.2   Place the MAS-100 on a firm support.

5.3   Place the pre incubated plate on top of the dish support.

5.4   Remove the lid of the plate and fix the perforated sieve then it is locked.

5.5   Press the YES button ,set the sampling parameters and start the          cycle.

5.6   After the cycle run ,the LCD display will show the “test  completed”.

5.7   Then  unlock and remove the sieve from tester and close the plate with         its lid.

5.8   All sampled plates are kept in sterile SS box and transfer to micro      department

5.9    Then incubate the plates at specified temperature.

    5.10  After the incubation period count the number of colonies on the plate          and  report the colony forming units per cubic meter (cfu / m³).

           4.0     List of Formats

Format No.	Title

VI.      REVISION SUMMARY

Version No.	Revised on	Reason for Revision
00	NA	NA

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