Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for UV Visualizing Chamber
1. Purpose:
To provide a standardized method for operating and maintaining the UV visualizing chamber for detecting and analyzing UV-active substances or compounds.
2. Scope:
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in using the UV visualizing chamber in the laboratory.
3. Responsibility:
- Laboratory Technicians: Operate the UV visualizing chamber according to the SOP.
- Lab Manager: Ensure the SOP is followed and updated as needed.
4. Equipment and Materials:
- UV Visualizing Chamber
- UV light source (UV lamp)
- Sample plates (e.g., TLC plates)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Lab coat, gloves, UV-blocking safety goggles
5. Procedure:
5.1 Pre-Operation:
- Ensure the UV visualizing chamber is clean and free from any contaminants.
- Check that the UV lamp is functioning correctly and replace it if necessary.
- Verify that the chamber is placed on a stable, flat surface.
- Wear appropriate PPE before starting the procedure.
5.2 Preparing the Chamber:
- Open the UV visualizing chamber and ensure that the UV lamp is turned off before placing any samples inside.
- Arrange the sample plates (e.g., TLC plates) on the stage or platform inside the chamber.
- Close the chamber securely to ensure safety and prevent UV exposure.
5.3 Visualizing Samples:
- Turn on the UV lamp inside the visualizing chamber.
- Allow the lamp to warm up
- Observe the samples through the viewing window of the chamber. UV-active substances will typically fluoresce or appear as spots or bands under UV light.
- Use appropriate filters or wavelengths as needed based on the nature of the samples and the required analysis.
5.4 Documenting Observations:
- Record the observations, including the appearance of spots or bands, their location, and intensity.
- If required, take photographs of the visualized samples using a suitable camera or imaging system for documentation.
5.5 Post-Operation:
- Turn off the UV lamp before opening the chamber.
- Remove the sample plates from the chamber once observations are complete.
- Clean the interior of the chamber with a mild detergent and water if needed. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residues.
- Close and secure the chamber for storage.
5.6 Maintenance:
- Regularly inspect the UV visualizing chamber for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
- Replace the UV lamp according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or if it becomes dim or fails.
- Perform routine cleaning and maintenance as specified by the manufacturer.
- Record maintenance activities in the equipment logbook.
6. Safety Measures:
- Always wear appropriate PPE, including UV-blocking safety goggles, when operating the UV visualizing chamber.
- Avoid direct exposure to UV light to prevent potential skin and eye damage.
- Ensure the chamber is properly closed and secured during operation to prevent UV leakage.
- Follow all laboratory safety guidelines and protocols when handling UV-sensitive equipment and materials.
7. Documentation:
- Record the date, time, and purpose of each use of the UV visualizing chamber in the lab notebook or equipment logbook.
- Note any deviations from the SOP and report them to the lab manager.
- Document observations and any photographic evidence as required.
8. References:
- Manufacturer’s Manual for the UV Visualizing Chamber
- Laboratory Safety Guidelines