| Department | Micro Laboratory | Document no | MICLAB 050 | ||
| Title | Microbial Limit Testing Procedure by Using Laminar Flow Cabinets | ||||
| Prepared by: | Date: | Supersedes: | |||
| Checked by: | Date: | Date Issued: | |||
| Approved by: | Date: | Review Date: | |||
Document Owner
Microbiology Laboratory Manager
Affected Parties
All Microbiology Laboratory colleagues
Purpose
To describe the procedures to be followed in conducting Microbial Limit Tests in the Laminar flow Cabinets in the Microbiology Lab.
Scope
It is the responsibility of the Microbiology Lab. staff to ensure that this procedure is followed.
Definition
| N/A |
Related Documents
| MICLAB 055 | Microbiological Monitoring of Plant Water Systems |
| MICLAB 075 | Micro Evaluation on Bioburden, Non sterile and Raw Materials |
EHS Statement
If the Laminar Flow cabinets in the Microbiology Laboratory are of the down-flow or outward flow type do not place any article that may potentially contaminate above or in front of sterile articles.
Safety glasses and gloves must be worn when using IPA/solvent.
Procedure
When the Laminar Flow cabinet is not in use, keep it free of any article that is not normally used in conducting Microbial Limit Tests.
Turn ON the Laminar Flow and the fluorescent light in the cabinet 10 minutes prior to placing any sterilized articles required for testing in the cabinet. Ensure that the Laminar Flow airflow and lighting is operating correctly.
Wipe the Laminar Flow bench and the manifold with filtered 70% IPA Solution, using sterile disposable wipes.
Articles required for testing which are sterilized by autoclaving e.g. bagged membrane filtration units, wrapped forceps and scissors etc. are removed from the autoclave and placed under the laminar flow to cool and dry.
Other articles required, e.g. product containers, bottles of Peptone Water and media, etc., must be swabbed with filtered 70% IPA Solution and placed under the Laminar Flow.
Disposable plastic Petri dishes are pre-sterilized and can be removed from their outer plastic bag and placed directly under the Laminar Flow.
Prior to commencing testing, wash hands with “Microshield T” (brand) anti-microbial solution, dry and then put on a pair of sterile surgical gloves. Frequently, throughout the testing process, swab the Laminar Flow bench and gloved hands with filtered 70% IPA Solution.
Using aseptic techniques, follow the procedures detailed in MICLAB 075 for the Presence of Micro-organisms and Microbial Limit Test for the individual product or raw material. Test Methods for non-sterile products are stated on the Control Methods and for raw materials on the Raw Material Specifications. For environmental study materials, e.g. Still Water etc., follow the procedures listed in MICLAB 055.
When all testing is complete, place the agar plates, bottles containing broth and/or petri dishes in the appropriate incubator under the appropriate conditions, e.g. anaerobic jar, or plastic tubs.
Wash the membrane filtration units, manifold, bottles, collection flask, etc., with tap water. Swab the Laminar Flow bench with filtered 70% IPA Solution.
Turn OFF the Laminar Flow and fluorescent light.
Summary of Changes
| Version # | Revision History |
| MICLAB 050 | New |