106745791
Document type: SOP
Document code: TB 07-02
INCUBATOR USE AND MAINTENANCE
Confidentiality: none
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
PURPOSE...................................................................................................................... 2
2.
SCOPE .......................................................................................................................... 2
3.
RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................... 2
4.
CROSS-REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 2
5.
PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 2
5.1. Equipment .................................................................................................................................... 2
5.2. Use of incubator ........................................................................................................................... 2
5.3. Maintenance ................................................................................................................................ 2
5.3.1. Disinfection ............................................................................................................................ 2
5.3.2.Calibration .............................................................................................................................. 3
5.3.3. Servicing ................................................................................................................................ 3
5.3.4. Quality control ....................................................................................................................... 3
6.
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 4
7.
CHANGE HISTORY ....................................................................................................... 4
This SOP template has been developed by FIND for adaption and use in TB laboratories
Release date: ddMMMyy
Page 1 of 4
106745791
1.
PURPOSE
This SOP describes the use and maintenance of the incubators in the _______________TB
Laboratory. The incubator is used for culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by ensuring optimum
growth conditions. Optimal operation of the incubator is achieved through proper installation, regular
monitoring and maintenance.
2.
SCOPE
This SOP covers all procedures requiring incubation in the _______________TB Laboratory.
3.
RESPONSIBILITIES
All staff members working in the _______________TB Laboratory are responsible for the
implementation of this operating procedure. All users of this procedure who do not understand it or are
unable to carry it out as described are responsible for seeking advice from their supervisor.
4.
CROSS-REFERENCES
See:
Document Matrix_TB 01-01_V1.0.doc
Location:
Refer to SOPs listed under TB 02 (General Procedures), TB 03 (Specimen Handling) and TB 05
(Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing)
5.
PROCEDURES
5.1. Equipment


Incubator with proper electrical isolation, installed according to the user manual.
Install incubator in a well-ventilated dry space, on a level surface, away from heat sources
5.2. Use of incubator




Keep the door closed to prevent heat loss to the environment.
Ensure that rack positions are clearly marked.
The incubator should be switched off when not in use.
Do not overload.
5.3. Maintenance
5.3.1. Disinfection




Every 6 months or in case of spill of infectious material within the incubator.
Disconnect the plug from the main socket.
Identify adequate volume of available safe space for temporary storage of biohazardous
material.
Ensure that materials kept in the incubator are clearly marked.
Page 2 of 4
106745791





Clean metallic surfaces (racks, floor, walls and doors) with 70% ethanol.
Clean materials located in the incubator which may have been contaminated by spill.
Connect the incubator to the main power supply and switch on.
Relocate incubator contents once the temperature has reached 36°C.
Notify staff of the contents of relocation.
5.3.2.Calibration
The temperature should be calibrated:











Prior to use.
After temperature changes have been detected and rectified.
Following a power failure.
After cleaning of spills.
Ensure that the door is closed and that the incubator is switched on.
Set the required temperature using the temperature control and leave the incubator to run for
1 hour.
Place a thermometer into the centre of the incubator with probe away from the heating
element.
Take the temperature reading after 30 minutes. If the temperature is not 36°C ± 1°C, adjust
the control.
Repeat process every 30 minutes until the required temperature is reached.
Continue to take readings until two consecutive readings (30 minutes apart) are 36°C ± 1°C.
Record readings in the Incubator Calibration form.
Use:
Incubator Calibration_form.doc
Location:

The incubator is ready for use at the calibrated temperature.
5.3.3. Servicing


Service and repairs should be performed by a qualified service technician.
Records on service and repairs should be kept in the “Equipment and Chemical Maintenance”
file.
Records of the service must be kept in the Equipment Maintenance File
Use:
Equipment Maintenance File_form.doc
Location:
5.3.4. Quality control

Record temperature once daily and document in the Incubator Temperature Logbook.
Use:
Incubator Temperature Logbook _form.xls
Location:
Page 3 of 4
106745791

6.
Perform monthly temperature spot checks by placing thermometers at various positions in the
incubator to verify that the internal incubator temperature is constant at 36  1°C.
REFERENCES
World Health Organization. Maintenance and repair of laboratory, diagnostic imaging and hospital
equipment. Geneva: WHO; 1994.
World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Basics of quality
assurance for intermediate and peripheral laboratories. 2nd ed. Cairo; 2002.
7.
CHANGE HISTORY
New version #
/ date
Old version #
/ date
No. of
changes
Description of changes
Source of
change request
Page 4 of 4