5. Incubator and Basic ControlsIncubator and Basic Controls
Menu PadMenu Pad
Provides accessProvides access
for changing PIDfor changing PID
parametersparameters
Set PadSet Pad
Used to setUsed to set
temperaturetemperature
Increase/Decrease PadsIncrease/Decrease Pads
Used to changeUsed to change
temperature or other valuestemperature or other values
On / Off SwitchOn / Off Switch
and circuitand circuit
breakerbreaker
Heat LightHeat Light
When lit,When lit,
incubator heaterincubator heater
is onis on
Alarm LightAlarm Light
When lit,When lit,
indicates oven-indicates oven-
temperature limittemperature limit
was exceededwas exceeded
Displays actualDisplays actual
temperaturetemperature
When lit, user is inWhen lit, user is in
PID parameter menuPID parameter menu
6. IncubatorIncubator
• Document operational problems and corrective actions,Document operational problems and corrective actions,
preventive maintenance, cleaning, and inspectionspreventive maintenance, cleaning, and inspections
• Record internal temperature daily--acceptable toleranceRecord internal temperature daily--acceptable tolerance
is ± 1is ± 1oo
CC
• Test temperature alarm monthlyTest temperature alarm monthly
• A simple chart can be affixed to the incubator door forA simple chart can be affixed to the incubator door for
this purposethis purpose
• ALARM indicator - if the temperature exceedsALARM indicator - if the temperature exceeds
operational limitoperational limit
• Back-up controller maintains the temperature at 3° CBack-up controller maintains the temperature at 3° C
above set-pointabove set-point
• Small fluctuation in temperature can inhibit the growthSmall fluctuation in temperature can inhibit the growth
of microorganismsof microorganisms
• Do not place items on top or around the incubator thatDo not place items on top or around the incubator that
may impede air flowmay impede air flow
7. Heat generated convection gently circulates heat in a verticalHeat generated convection gently circulates heat in a vertical
pattern to heat contents evenlypattern to heat contents evenly
Exhaust port locatedExhaust port located
on top of incubatoron top of incubator
Air inlet port underAir inlet port under
incubator floorincubator floor
IncubatorIncubator
Do not impede proper air-flowDo not impede proper air-flow
8. Example:Example:
Temperature ChartTemperature Chart
Chart should list:Chart should list:
– Name of equipment orName of equipment or
instrumentinstrument
– Serial numberSerial number
– Room/LocationRoom/Location
– Acceptable operatingAcceptable operating
range, e.g. 35-37° Crange, e.g. 35-37° C
– Record temperature dailyRecord temperature daily
and initialand initial
– Note problems andNote problems and
corrective actions in logcorrective actions in log
INSTITUTE OF LABORATORIES – NICARAGUA
Equipment Operating Temperature Record
Instrument/Equipment:_________________________ Serial
#:_____________________Room #: _______
Acceptable Operating Range:__________________________________
Record temperature daily. If temperature is unacceptable, list and date corrective actions
taken in equipment log. Notify laboratory supervisor or director.
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
IncubatorIncubator
9. Incubator – Preventive MaintenanceIncubator – Preventive Maintenance
• Monthly cleaning of interiorMonthly cleaning of interior
• Optional contamination checkOptional contamination check
• Check circulating fans weekly by detectingCheck circulating fans weekly by detecting
the breeze created by the blowersthe breeze created by the blowers
• Check door gasket for tight sealCheck door gasket for tight seal
• Check door shelves are levelCheck door shelves are level
10. Incubator Cleaning . . .Incubator Cleaning . . .
– Clean incubator interior of the incubator at leastClean incubator interior of the incubator at least
once each month and documentonce each month and document
– Empty the unit and clean the interior with aEmpty the unit and clean the interior with a
warm solution of water and an appropriatewarm solution of water and an appropriate
disinfectant to ensure maximum decontaminationdisinfectant to ensure maximum decontamination
– Rinse the interior with clean water and dryRinse the interior with clean water and dry
completelycompletely
– Removable parts such as shelves may be washedRemovable parts such as shelves may be washed
in warm soapy water and thoroughly dried.in warm soapy water and thoroughly dried.
Avoid using pads that are abrasiveAvoid using pads that are abrasive
– Replace parts, plug in unit and reset controlsReplace parts, plug in unit and reset controls
– Return materials to unit when set temperature isReturn materials to unit when set temperature is
achievedachieved
11. Contamination Check of the IncubatorContamination Check of the Incubator
• Document contamination check in theDocument contamination check in the
equipment log bookequipment log book
• Culture the interior of the incubatorCulture the interior of the incubator
• Place an open blood agar plate in the incubatorPlace an open blood agar plate in the incubator
for 2 hrsfor 2 hrs
• If bacteria are cultured, decontaminate andIf bacteria are cultured, decontaminate and
check againcheck again
• Use appropriate disinfectant to decontaminateUse appropriate disinfectant to decontaminate
• Document date and type organism if culturedDocument date and type organism if cultured
from the incubatorfrom the incubator
