Calibration Documents: Autoclave Timer (CAL-0152)
| Asset ID | CAL-0152 |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Autoclave Timer |
| Equipment Type | Timer |
| Department | Microbiology |
| Area/Location | Sterilization |
| Process Use | Cycle time |
| Parameter | Time |
| Units | min |
| Range Min | 0 |
| Range Max | 300 |
| Acceptance Criteria | ±1 min |
| Calibration Frequency (days) | 365 |
| Calibration Type | External |
| Traceability | ISO17025 |
Table of Contents
Calibration SOP
1. Purpose
The calibration of the Autoclave Timer (CAL-0152) is performed to ensure accurate measurement of cycle time, which is critical for maintaining sterilization processes. Accurate timing is essential to control risks associated with patient safety, batch quality, and data integrity in microbiological applications.
2. Scope
- Asset ID: CAL-0152
- Equipment Name/Type: Autoclave Timer / Timer
- Department/Area: Microbiology / Sterilization
- Process Use: Cycle time
- Parameter: Time
- Range: 0 – 300 min
- Units: min
- Calibration Frequency: 365 days
3. Definitions
- Calibration: The process of verifying and adjusting the accuracy of a measurement instrument.
- Verification: The process of confirming that a measurement instrument meets specified requirements.
- Adjustment: The act of modifying a measurement instrument to bring it into compliance with specifications.
- As Found: The condition of the instrument prior to any adjustments.
- As Left: The condition of the instrument after adjustments have been made.
- OOT (Out of Tolerance): A condition where the measurement falls outside the specified acceptance criteria.
- Drift: The gradual change in the measurement accuracy of an instrument over time.
- Traceability: The ability to verify the history, location, or application of an item by means of documented recorded identification.
- Measurement Uncertainty: A parameter that characterizes the dispersion of the values attributed to a measured quantity.
- Intermediate Check: A periodic verification of an instrument’s performance between calibrations.
4. References
- Company Metrology SOP [TBD]
- ISO/IEC 17025 traceability via calibration certificates
- ALCOA+ principles
5. Responsibilities
- Technician/Metrology: Perform calibration and maintain records.
- QC/QA Reviewer: Review calibration results and documentation.
- Owner Department: Ensure compliance with calibration schedules.
- External Service Provider: Conduct external calibrations as required.
6. Safety & Preconditions
- Ensure environmental controls are in place (temperature, humidity).
- Allow for warm-up/stabilization of the equipment as per manufacturer guidelines.
- Maintain cleanliness of the equipment and surrounding area.
- Verify that the equipment is level and stable.
- Check power supply for proper voltage and stability.
7. Standards & Tools
- Reference Standards: [TBD]
- Traceability Statement: ISO17025
- Certificate Validity Check: Ensure all certificates are current and valid.
8. Calibration Strategy
The calibration will follow the As Found and As Left logic:
- Minimum number of points: 5 points including endpoints (0 min, 150 min, 300 min).
- Replicate readings: 3 repeats at each point as a best practice.
9. Step-by-Step Procedure
- Preparation: Gather all necessary tools and documentation.
- Stabilization: Allow the Autoclave Timer to stabilize for [TBD] minutes.
- As Found checks and data capture: Record initial measurements.
- Adjustment rules: If OOT, adjust as per manufacturer specifications; if not allowed, escalate to QA.
- As Left verification: Confirm that the instrument is within tolerance after adjustments.
- Labeling + documentation completion: Complete all required documentation and label the instrument accordingly.
Record raw observations contemporaneously to ensure ALCOA+ compliance.
10. Acceptance Criteria & Calculations
Acceptance criteria: ±1 min
Error calculation formula: Error = Observed Value – True Value
Pass/Fail Logic: If the absolute value of the error is within ±1 min, the calibration passes; otherwise, it fails.
Rounding rule: [TBD]
11. Handling OOT / Failures
- Immediate containment: Tag equipment and stop use.
- Notification & deviation initiation: Notify QA and document the deviation.
- Impact assessment trigger: Define impact window and review affected results/batches.
- Recalibration after repair/adjustment: Schedule recalibration as needed.
- QA disposition placeholders: [TBD]
12. Records & Retention
- Logbook entries: Document all calibration activities.
- Calibration report/certificate filing: Maintain records for audit purposes.
- E-records if applicable: [TBD]
- Label content requirements: Calibrated date, due date, by whom, status.
13. Annexures
Annexure A: Calibration Data Sheet
| Test Points | Reference | Observed | Error | Acceptance | Pass/Fail | As Found | As Left |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Annexure B: Quick Checklist
- Environmental controls verified
- Equipment stabilized
- As Found data recorded
- Adjustments made if necessary
- As Left data recorded
- Documentation completed
Annexure C: Example Label Text
Calibration Date: [TBD]
Due Date: [TBD]
Calibrated By: [TBD]
Status: [TBD]
Calibration Protocol
Calibration Protocol
| Protocol ID | Asset ID | Equipment Name | Equipment Type | Dept | Area | Process Use | Parameter | Units | Range | Acceptance Criteria | Frequency | Calibration Type | Traceability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | CAL-0152 | Autoclave Timer | Timer | Microbiology | Sterilization | Cycle time | Time | min | 0 – 300 | ±1 min | 365 days | External | ISO17025 |
Environmental Conditions
Temperature: [TBD]
Relative Humidity: [TBD]
Vibration: [TBD]
Drafts: [TBD]
Test Point Selection
- Minimum: 0 min
- 25% of Range: 75 min
- 50% of Range: 150 min
- 75% of Range: 225 min
- Maximum: 300 min
Results Table
| Test Point | Ref Value | Observed (As Found) | Error | Limit | Pass/Fail | Observed (As Left) | Error | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±1 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 75 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±1 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 150 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±1 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 225 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±1 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 300 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±1 min | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Stepwise Instructions
- Preparation: Ensure the autoclave timer is clean and in good working condition.
- Stabilization: Allow the equipment to stabilize for at least 30 minutes before calibration.
- Performing Readings: Take three replicate readings at each test point.
- Calculating Error: Calculate the error for each observed value against the reference value.
- Evaluation: Compare the calculated errors to the acceptance criteria of ±1 min.
- Documentation: Record all observations and calculations in the results table.
Deviation Instruction for OOT
If any observed value is outside the acceptance criteria:
- Stop use of the equipment immediately.
- Notify the QA department.
- Open a deviation report.
- Quarantine impacted results window: [TBD]
- Await QA decision on further actions.
Approvals
| Prepared By | Reviewed By | Approved By |
|---|---|---|
| [Signature/Date] | [Signature/Date] | [Signature/Date] |
Calibration Checklist
| Asset ID | Equipment | Dept | Area | Parameter | Range | Acceptance | Frequency | Traceability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAL-0152 | Autoclave Timer | Microbiology | Sterilization | Time | 0 – 300 min | ±1 min | 365 days | ISO17025 |
Pre-calibration
- [ ] Verify environmental conditions
- [ ] Ensure equipment is warmed up
- [ ] Clean the equipment
- [ ] Level the equipment
- [ ] Check reference standards validity
- [ ] Ensure logbook is ready
As Found Execution
- [ ] Set initial time setpoints
- [ ] Perform multiple repeats
- [ ] Record raw data
- [ ] Perform necessary calculations
OOT Immediate Actions
- [ ] Tag out the equipment
- [ ] Stop use of the equipment
- [ ] Notify relevant personnel
- [ ] Document deviation
- [ ] Trigger impact review
As Left Verification
- [ ] Conduct post-adjustment checks
- [ ] Confirm readings are within limits
Documentation & Closure
- [ ] Update equipment label
- [ ] Attach calibration certificate
- [ ] Obtain reviewer sign-off
- [ ] Update next due date
Deviation Impact Assessment
| Event Summary |
|---|
|
Asset: Autoclave Timer Date: [TBD] Discovered By: [TBD] Document References: [TBD] As Found Results Summary: [TBD] |
Immediate Containment Checklist
- Stop use of the asset
- Label/tag the asset as out of tolerance
- Segregate impacted work
Define Impact Window
Last known in-tolerance date: [TBD] to discovery date: [TBD]
Product/Batch/Test Impact Review
| Batch/Study/Report ID | Results Potentially Impacted | Re-test/Re-weigh Decision |
|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Data Integrity Review Prompts (ALCOA+)
- Attributable: [TBD]
- Legible: [TBD]
- Contemporaneous: [TBD]
- Original: [TBD]
- Accurate: [TBD]
- Complete: [TBD]
- Consistent: [TBD]
- Enduring: [TBD]
- Available: [TBD]
Risk Assessment
| Severity | Probability | Detectability | Rationale | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Investigation Summary
Root Cause: [TBD]
CAPA Plan
| Action | Owner | Due Date | Effectiveness Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
QA Disposition
Release/Hold/Retest/Recall Triggers: [TBD]
Calibration Certificate
Certificate No: [TBD]
Date: [TBD]
Next Due Date: [TBD]
Asset Details
| Asset ID | Equipment Name | Equipment Type | Dept | Area | Make/Model | Serial No | Location | Parameter/Range/Units | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAL-0152 | Autoclave Timer | Timer | Microbiology | Sterilization | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | Time: 0 – 300 min | ±1 min |
Conditions
Environment: [TBD]
Reference Standards
| Standard Name/ID | Certificate No | Due Date | Traceability Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ISO17025 |
Results
As Found Results
| Test Point | Measurement (min) | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 2 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 3 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 4 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 5 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
As Left Results
| Test Point | Measurement (min) | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 2 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 3 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 4 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 5 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Measurement Uncertainty Statement: [TBD]
Statement of Conformity: [Pass/Fail overall]
Remarks: [TBD]
Signatures
Performed by: ______________________ Date: ___________
Checked by: ______________________ Date: ___________
Approved by: ______________________ Date: ___________