Drain Testing SOP
Hello,
I have been tasked with creating a Drain Testing SOP for my site. Background: we are a dietary supplement distributor (do finished product packing), there are two drains that are not critical (one in a supply closet the other outside an office door that leads to the warehouse). I have the cleaning procedure semi-completed (add 1/4 c of bleach + 12 1/4 c of water to pout down each drain). What I need help with is testing parameters that should be met is I focus on listeria, e.coli and salmonella. Frequency of testing I'm pushing for is 2x year.
Any help would be most appreciated!
Also we do not have a micro lab onsite, so any testing would have to go to a 3rd party.
Hello,
I have been tasked with creating a Drain Testing SOP for my site. Background: we are a dietary supplement distributor (do finished product packing), there are two drains that are not critical (one in a supply closet the other outside an office door that leads to the warehouse). I have the cleaning procedure semi-completed (add 1/4 c of bleach + 12 1/4 c of water to pout down each drain). What I need help with is testing parameters that should be met is I focus on listeria, e.coli and salmonella. Frequency of testing I'm pushing for is 2x year.
Any help would be most appreciated!
The logical target for all 3 would be undetectable.
The frequency should initially be elevated.
The parameter would be zero.
I would suggest going with a monthly or every other month plan of testing on thr front end and then as you do not have hits cutting back. Your proposed lag time between testing is excessive.
Do you have any recommendations for testing applications. I understand that there are test kits you can purchase, use (swab) and send out for testing.
The parameter would be zero.
I would suggest going with a monthly or every other month plan of testing on thr front end and then as you do not have hits cutting back. Your proposed lag time between testing is excessive.
Microbiological Criteria abhor "zero".
@ hgardner - Depending on the specific Procedure, the project (assuming null results) may ultimately prove nothing due sampling/analytical limitations.
Excuse me Charles - undetectable might be a better term.
In practice, the usual is "not detected" in XYZ. (strictly the methodology, hopefully "Standard", should be included).
Sampling/Analytical always rules.
I would ask the laboratory you are using to send you their directions for sampling drain water, and then use them to create your SOP.
I would ask the laboratory you are using to send you their directions for sampling drain water, and then use them to create your SOP.
Good idea.
One should also ask to include an estimation of the detection sensitivity of the recommended method.
The perpetual problem with swabbing/analysing plant objects for pathogens is that they are likely to be "missed". This is the reason for using "indicators" but unfortunately the latter cannot be used as confirmation.
It's a dilemma.