SOP ON OPERATION AND CALIBRATION OF COLONY COUNTER
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OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this SOP is to lay down the procedure for Operation and Calibration of Colony Counter.
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SCOPE:
This SOP is applicable for Operation and Calibration of Colony Counter ID No: —— used for the enumeration of microbial colonies on the agar plates in the microbiological analysis in the microbiology laboratory at a manufacturing facility.
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RESPONSIBILITY:
- Microbiologist or his designee shall be responsible for Operation and Calibration of Colony Counter.
- A Microbiologist is responsible for related documentation activities.
- Head of Microbiology is responsible for effective implementation of the SOP.
- QA is responsible for review and Approval of the SOP.
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PROCEDURE:
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Operation:( Manual Colony Counter )
- Clean the instrument with IPA before the operation start.
- Place the instrument in a clean and dry place. Switch ON the power switch of the instrument
- Ensure that the marker is connected to the instrument.
- Read the digital screen display, it should be “0000” if not then do it by pressing the reset button manually.
- Now place the Petri dish in an inverted position on the instrument platform to count the colonies by marking on each colony.
- The number of colonies will be counted and displayed on the screen.
- After completion of the work microbiologist should enter the details in the Instrument usage log book as per Annexure II.
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Calibration:
- Calibration Frequency: Monthly.
- Attach UNDER CALIBRATION TAG on to the instrument.
- Follow the operating instructions for the operation.
- Press the tip of the marker pen 5 times, 10 times, 15 times, 20 times, 25 times and then check the number displayed on the screen.
- After completion of the calibration microbiologist should enter the details in the Calibration record of Colony counter and in Instrument usage log book.
- Acceptance Criteria: In all the cases the number displayed on the screen should not be differ from No. of a press of marker pen tip.
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TRAINING:
Trainer: Head of Microbiology
Trainees: Microbiologist
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DISTRIBUTION:
As Per Requirement
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ANNEXURE(S):
Annexure- I: Calibration Record of Colony Counter.
Annexure-II: Colony Counter Usage Record.
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REFERENCE(S):
Nil