1.0 OBJECTIVE:
To lay down the Procedure for Finger dab test.
2.0 SCOPE:
This SOP covers the procedure for Finger dab test.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY:
Microbiologist : To perform the procedure as per SOP
Head – Quality control: To ensure the compliance of SOP.
4.0 PROCEDURE:
4.1 Media used:
4.1.1 Soya bean casein digest agar for Bacteria
4.1.2 Sabourad dextrose agar for Fungi.
4.1.3 For details of the media composition and preparation refer sop Preparation of Microbial Culture Media
4.1.4 Perform the growth promotion test for medias as per sop Growth Promotion Test
4.2 Preparation of plates:
4.2.1 Follow the entry procedure of LAF room as per sop Entry and Exit Procedure for Microbiological Testing Room
4.2.2 Switch on the laminar air flow unit.
4.2.3 Clean the laminar air flow unit table with 70% v/v IPA
4.2.4 Cool the sterilized media to about 45?C.
4.2.5 Remove the cotton plug / cap of sterilized media flask / bottle near the flame and hold it along with the flask / bottle in the right hand.
4.2.6 Hold the mouth of the flask near the flame slanting taking care that the contents do not spill out.
4.2.7 Take out a sterile petriplate using left hand and open the lid slightly near the flame.
4.2.8 Carefully pour about 15 to 20 ml of media to each plate.
4.2.9 Close the plate and place it on the laminar bench.
4.2.10 Allow it to solidify.
4.2.11 Repeat the steps 4.2.5 to 4.2.10 till the media gets over
4.2.12 Mark the plates with media names and date.
4.2.13 Pre incubate the plates for 48 hrs at 20-25?C and 30-35?C. for fungal and bacteria.
4.3 Method:
4.3.1 Identify each pre incubated SCDA and SDA plates with respect to the operators name of whom the test has to be performed.
4.3.2 Carry these plates in stainless steel petrican / bin previously wiped with 70% v/v IPA to the respective department.
4.3.3 Follow the gowning procedure as required by the respective department to avoid additional contamination.
4.3.4 Disinfect the hands with IPA 70% v/v, wear the sterile surgical gloves.
4.3.5 Towards the end or during process operation, this test has to be performed.
4.3.6 Remove the lid of the petriplate and take the gloved finger impressions of operator for at least about 2 cms of the fingers f both the gloved hands on the agar surface of SCDA and SDA plates respectively.
4.3.7 Ensure that the operator changes his gloves before resuming work.
4.3.8 Replace the lids on the respective plates carefully and collect all the plates in the stainless steel petrican / bin wiped with 70% v/v IPA and bring it to microbiology department and assign analytical reference No. as per current version of sop Microbiology Inward Register
4.3.9 Incubate all the SCDA plates inverted at 30-35?C for 48-72 hrs and SDA plates at 20-25?C for 120 hrs.
4.3.10 Keep the negative control along with the plates in the incubator.
4.3.11 After incubation observe the counts and report results in the prescribed format i.e as per annexure-I.
5.0 Frequency:
Once in a month.
6.0 Limits:
Not more than 5 CFU.
Identify the organism based on the high counts and morphology by gram’s staining. In case objectionable organisms found during monitoring( from the dabs of operators) bring to the notice of Q.A to conduct necessary investigation and training.
7.0 Destruction of the exposed plates:
The exposed plates should be autoclaved in an autoclave for destruction after the results are taken and then disposed off.
finger dab test, microbiology, laminar bench
