Sampling, Preservation and Storage of Water Sample

1.0 Objective

To lay down a procedure for the Sampling, Preservation and Storage of water sample.

2.0 Scope

This Standard Operating Procedure is applicable for Sampling, Preservation and Storage of water sample.

3.0 Responsibility

All Microbiologists/QC officers are responsible to follow the SOP.

Quality Control Head or his/her designee is responsible for compliance of this SOP.

4.0 Accountability

Department Head & QA Head shall be accountable for implementation of this SOP.

5.0 Abbreviations and Definitions

QC      :           Quality Control

SOP     :           Standard Operating Procedure

6.0 Procedure

6.1 Sampling of water for Microbiological analysis

• Collect water sample for microbiological analysis in clean and sterilized nonreactive borosilicate glass or polypropylene bottles.

• Neutralized the chlorinated water sample adding 1% sterile sodium thiosulphate solution.

• Open the sample port/tap fully and allow the water to drain for validated time to remove the contamination in the pipe line.

• While sampling do not contaminate inner surface of stopper or cap and neck of bottle. Do not touch the edge of the sample container.

• Fill the required volume and replace the cap immediately.

• Collect quantity of water samples required for chemical testing in non-relative borosilicate Glass or plastic bottles that have been cleaned and rinsed carefully and given a final rinse with purified water.

• Before sampling for chemical test rinse the bottle with same sample for at list 3 times, fill the bottle completely without leaving any shape for air and replace the cap immediately.

• Leave about 1% air space in the bottle sufficient to facilitate mixing by shaking before examination.

6.2 Sampling of water for Chemical analysis and Bacterial Endotoxin testing

• Sample of water for chemical analysis should be collected in a clean and dried bottle and for Bacterial Endotoxin testing sample should be collected in depyrogenated or pyrogen free vial covered with aluminum foil.

• Open the sample port/tap fully and allow the water to drain for validated time (approximately 1 minute) to remove the contamination in the pipe line.

• For TOC analysis collect the sample in the separate vial/bottles.

• Do not allow the vial or water in the vial to come in the contact of water.

• Without Overflowing, fill the vial.

• Close with the cap immediately Chemical analysis sample vial and Bacterial Endotoxin testing sample cover with aluminum after sampling.

• Close the valve.

• Fill the information on the face of bottle such as location of sampling, date of sampling with signature.

• Collect all samples and proceed for analysis as per the SOP.

6.3 Shipment

• If a contract laboratory is utilized, samples shall be sent by express service to arrive at the contract laboratory.

• Sample container transfer “boxes” should include provision for maintaining the sample temperature below 25°C at any time and sample should not be frozen or cooled to a temperature 2°C.

6.4 Preservation and Storage

• It is recommended that sample should be analyzed immediately and storage should be avoided.

• For microbiological testing analyze the sample within 6 hrs. of sampling.

• Refrigerate (2to 8°C) the sample until is commenced.

• Allow the sample to reach ambient temperature prior to testing.

• Agitate sample for uniform distribution before testing.

7.0 Forms and Records (Annexures)

NA

8.0 Distribution

• Master copy –           Quality Assurance

• Controlled copies- Quality Assurance, Quality Control

9.0 Reference:   

If any

10.0 History