1.0 PURPOSE:
2.0 SCOPE:
This procedure is applicable for cleaning of glassware for microbiological testing used in Quality Control (Microbiology section) at (Company name).
3.0 DEFINITION:
4.0 RESPONSIBILITY:
Execution: Cleaning of glassware by Workmen and sterilization of glassware by officer QC.
Checking: Executive or designee.
Accountability: Head QC or designee.
5.0 FREQUENCY:
6.0 PROCEDURE:
6.1 Daily cleaning procedure:
6.1.1 Decontaminate all glassware used for preparation of media, cultured tubes, etc. before cleaning.
6.1.2 Rinse the glassware with purified water to remove any ruminants.
6.1.3 Dilute approximately 10 ml of concentrated cleaning agent to one liter with purified water. Pour this solution in the glassware and brush with smooth nylon brushes.
6.1.4 Clean the glassware with purified water thoroughly till the cleaning agent ruminants are removed. In case of pipettes use hot water for flushing if required.
6.1.5 Dry the glassware in the hot air oven before preparing for sterilization by autoclave.
6.2 Monthly washing procedure:
6.2.1 Preparation of diluted Nitric acid:
Dilute 15.4 ml of Nitric acid (Minimum 69%) with 1000 ml of Purified water.
6.2.2 Preparation of diluted Sulphuric acid:
Dilute 5.8 ml of Sulphuric acid (about 98%) with 1000 ml of Purified water.
6.2.3 Take more precautions while preparing the diluted Nitric acid and diluted Sulphuric acid. Slowly add the concentrated acids in to water, wear safety goggles and hand gloves.
6.2.4 Clean all glassware except calibrated/ graduated glassware with diluted nitric acid or diluted Sulphuric acid once in a month or as and when required.
6.2.5 Pour small amount of diluted nitric acid or diluted sulphuric acid in to the glassware and rinse in such a way that all surface area gets contacted with acid solution. Keep the glassware for an hour or overnight for stubborn residues.
6.2.6 Subject the glassware to prolonged rinsing with purified water, rinse with soap water as described above if required and finally rinse with purified water.
6.2.7 Record the cleaning details in Annexure-I.
6.3 Preparation for Sterilization:
6.3.1 Sterilize all glassware required for microbiological testing prior to use.
6.3.2 Glass bottle, conical flask and screw cap tubes shall be close with cap, while petri plates shall be wrapped with butter/ creepy paper then put in SS tray or in box.
6.3.3 Wrap pipettes with butter/ creepy paper, tightly closing both the ends.
6.3.4 Similarly, wrap other apparatus/ articles like micropipette tip, syringes, forceps, scissors, holding tongs, etc. including air sample SS cone used for air sampling in butter/ creepy Paper. Then sterilize in autoclave.
7.0 ABBREVIATION:
SOP :Standard Operating Procedure
SS :Stainless steel
QC :Quality Control
8.0 ENCLOSURES:
Annexure-I: Monthly glassware cleaning record.
9.0 REFERENCES:
