1.          OBJECTIVE            

1.1       To lay down a procedure for operation of air sampler.

2.         RESPONSIBILITY                                                                                      

2.1       Microbiologist – Quality Control – To follow the SOP.

2.2       Manager – Quality Control – To ensure the compliance of SOP.

3.         PROCEDURE         

• 3.1 Take the material required for sampling to the area for air sampling.

• 3.2 Place the air sampler at specific locations as per the sampling plan.

• 3.3 Perform the air sampling as per the directions given below.

• 3.4 Volumetric Air Sampler, Make: Millipore

• 3.4.1 Pre Requisites

•  Sterilize and carry all accessories to the area to be monitored.

•  The M Air T mainly consists of M Air T apparatus, micro perforated sieves, tripod, and battery charger.

• Unlock and remove the micro perforated sieve from the tester.

• Wrap the sieve in butter paper and sterilize in autoclave.

• Take the required number of pre-sterilized agar medium cassettes  wrapped in double sleeve packing.

• Disinfect the outer surfaces of wrappings with disinfectant in use.

• Enter into the area following the area’s entry and exit procedure.

• 3.4.2 Place the air sampler at the point pre-defined approved locations mentioned in the sampling plan.

• 3.4.3 Place the cassette in the air sampler.

• 3.4.4 Switch the Tester on.

• 3.4.5 Push the ‘ON’ / ‘OFF’ Button.

• After pressing the ‘ON’ / ‘OFF’ button the previously selected air sample   volume retained in the memory appears on the display.

• 3.4.6 Press the ‘START’ / ‘DELAY’ button quickly twice

• The display flashes, tester starts and counts down the volume of air that  remains to be processed.

• At the end of the process the display indicates EOC (End of Cycle).

• 3.4.7 Adjusting the Volume to be Processed

3.4.7.1    Push the liters button.

3.4.7.2    The previously selected volume appears on the screen.

3.4.7.3    To access other preset volumes press the liters button once.

3.4.7.4    The preset volumes ranges from 25 liters, 50 liters, 100 liters, 250 liters  500 liters, 750 liters and 1000 liters.

3.4.7.5    To change the volume setting, select the preset volume.

3.4.7.6    Hold the liters button down until the tester display indicates the desired sampling volume.

3.4.7.7    Start the sampling by pressing the ‘START’ / ‘DELAY’ button twice.

3.4.8    Adjusting the Timer

3.4.8.1    To change the time setting, hold the ‘START’ / ‘DELAY’ button.

3.4.8.2    The display shows previously selected value and starts to count down  time.

3.4.8.3    Time can be changed in increments of 5 minutes up to 1 hr.

3.4.8.4    To start the count down press down the ‘START’ / ‘DELAY’ button  again.

3.4.8.5    To stop, press the ‘ON’ / ‘OFF’ button.

3.4.9    Sampling of Air

•  Unlock and remove the micro perforated sieve from the tester.

• Remove the cover from the sieve.

• Sanitize the external surface of the tester with the filtered 70% IPA.

• Position the wings of the cassette into the recessed area of tester head.

• Retain the cassette position by holding on its wings.

• Remove the lid and place it on the bench.

• Lock the micro perforated sieve into position.

• Press the ‘ON’ / ‘OFF’ button.

• Set the sampling parameters.

• Quickly press the ‘START’ / ‘DELAY’ button twice.

• Perform the air sampling.

• Perform the air sampling at workbench level.

• When the display indicates EOC, unlock the sieve, remove it and put the  lid back on the cassette.

• To remove the cassette from the tester head, lift the cassette while firmly holding the edge.

• Label the location number, block and date on plate.

• Bring the cassettes to the microbiology lab and incubate.

• 3.4.10 Precautions to avoid false positive/negative results

• Do not use oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or per acetic acid.

• Avoid spraying liquids into the tester.

• Do not autoclave or flame the entire tester.

• The stainless steel micro perforated sieve should be autoclaved without its cover.

• Do not open the tester head.

• Do not perform any activity over the sampler while it is sampling.

4.     ABBREVIATIONS

4.1       EOC     –           End of cycle

4.2       IPA      –           Isopropyl Alcohol

4.3       QC       –           Quality control

4.4       SOP     –           Standard operating procedure

5.     REFERENCES          

Nil

6.          ANNEXURES

Nil

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