1.0 Objective: To get reliable and consistent results, we must ensure the Operation, Calibration maintenance, and Cleaning of the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) Incubator, especially for temperature maintenance for Total Yeast and mold / Fungal growth.
2.0 Scope: This procedure for the Operation and Calibration of the BOD Incubator applies to Microbiology Department.
3.0 Responsibility: 3.1 Microbiologist for implementation of this SOP.
3.2 head of a department for overall compliance to this SOP.
4.0 Procedure:
4.1 Ensure that the equipment is free from dust.
4.2 Switch on the main and equipment.
4.3 Set the BOD incubator temperature by pressing the red color button manually on the display for about 25°C using Coarse and Fine knobs.
4.4 Open the door and acrylic sheet of the Incubator.
4.5 Place the plates on the incubator shelf in the inverted position.
4.6 Close the acrylic sheet and the door of the Incubator.
4.7 Maintain the same temperature throughout the testing days of the incubation period.
4.8 At the end of the day, count the colonies, and the record should be maintained properly.
5.0 Calibration Procedure:
5.1. Place a calibrated thermometer on the Top, Middle, and Bottom of the equipment and close the door.
5.2 Manually set the temperature on display once at 25°C. After 30 minutes, record the thermometer reading.
5.3 Continue the above second procedure for 30°C and 40°C. After 30 minutes, record the thermometer readings.
6.0 Frequency of Calibration: Once a Month.
Tolerance: ±2 °C.
Related: SOP on cleaning and sanitization of microbiology department.
7.0 Abbreviations:
SOP: Standard operating procedure
BOD: Biological Oxygen Demand
°C: Degree Celsius
