Water sampling for chemical and microbial testing is a crucial process in ensuring the quality and safety of RO and distilled water. Water Sampling for Chemical and Microbial Testing involves collecting a representative portion of water from a source and analyzing it for various chemical and microbial contaminants.

For chemical testing, water samples are analyzed for a range of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants. The methods used for chemical analysis vary but may include spectrophotometry, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.

For microbial testing, water samples are analyzed for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Microbial analysis may involve culturing the water sample in a laboratory or using rapid detection methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoassays.

Water sampling and testing are typically conducted by pharmaceuticals laboratories, and the results are used to determine the quality of RO and distilled water and ensure that it meets regulatory standards. Regular water sampling and testing are essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring that consumers have access to safe, clean drinking water.

OBJECTIVE

To lay down the procedure for the Water Sampling for Chemical and Microbial Testing.

SCOPE

This is applicable to quality control department.

RESPONSIBILITY

Microbiology personnel

ACCOUNTABILITY

Head of Department

PROCEDURE

Water Sampling for Chemical and Microbial Testing

1. Before sampling ensure that the sampling kit is available as per the details mentioned.
2. Refer sampling points for a particular day.
   Note: The schedule shall be prepared before the start of the particular month.
3. Samples for microbiological evaluation should be collected in Pre-sterilized screw cap glass bottles.
4. For a sampling of Treated Raw water (May contain chlorine), add 0.1 ml of 5 % sodium thiosulphate solution in the bottles before sterilization.
   Note: Before sampling, the aluminum foil covering the sampling point should be removed.
5. Wear the sterile hand gloves and remove the cap of the bottle just prior collecting the sample.
6. The “sample contact area of the cap” should not come in contact with any surface, including the fingers or hands of the individual collecting the sample.
7. The cap may be set on the top of a clean surface, topside against the surface.
8. Open the sampling/user point valve until there is a steady stream of water.
9. Drain for approximately 1 minute, collect water in sampling bottle.
10. Do not allow the ‘bottle’ or the ‘water in the bottle’ to come in contact with the valve.
11. Fill the bottle without overflowing the bottle.
12. Remove the bottle from the sample stream and place the cap on the bottle as quickly as possible.
13. Tighten the cap securely.
14. Close the valve.
15. Fill the information on the face of the bottle such as the location of sampling, date of sampling and signature.
16. Collect all samples and Proceed for analysis as per the SOP for water analysis. If the samples are not taken immediately for analysis store it at refrigerator (2-8°C).
17. Ensure that analysis is initiated within 24 hrs after sampling.

Sampling of water for Bacterial Endotoxin Testing-

1. Samples for bacterial endotoxin test should be collected in depyrogenated or pyrogen free vials covered with aluminum foil.
2. Remove the aluminum foil from the vial immediately prior to collecting the sample Water Sampling for Chemical and Microbial Testing .
3. The “sample contact area of aluminum foil” should not come in contact with any surface, including the fingers or hands of the individual collecting the sample.
4. The foil may be set on the top of a clean surface, topside against the surface.
5. Open the sampling/ user point valve until there is a steady stream of water.
6. Drain for approximately 1 minute, collect water in sampling vial.
7. Do not allow the ‘vial’ or the ‘water in the vial’ to come in contact with the valve.
8. Fill the vial, without overflowing the vial.
9. Remove the vial from the sample stream and place the aluminum foil on the vial as quickly as possible.
10. Cover the vial with aluminum foil after sampling.
11. Close the valve.
12. Fill the information on the face of the bottle such as the location of sampling, date of sampling and signature.
13. Collect all samples and Proceed for analysis as per the SOP. If the samples are not taken immediately for analysis store it at refrigerator (2-8°C).
14. Ensure that analysis is initiated within 24 hrs after sampling.

Sampling of water for Chemical analysis

1. Samples for chemical analysis should be collected in a clean and dried bottle.
2. Remove the cap from the bottle just prior to collect the sample.
3. The sample side of the cap should not come in contact with any surface, including the finger or hands of the individual obtaining the sample.
4. The cap may be kept on the top of a clean surface, topside against the surface.
5. Open the sampling/user point valve until there is a steady stream of water.
6. Drain for approximately 1 minute, Collect water in sampling bottle.
7. Rinse the bottle with the water to be sampled at least three times.
8. Do not allow the bottle or the water in the bottle to come in contact with the valve.
9. Fill the bottle and remove the bottle from the sample stream and place the cap on the bottle as quickly as possible and ensure that no air bubble is entrapped.
10. For TOC analysis collect the sample in the separate vials/bottles. Collect the sample by overflowing the vials and close with the lid/cap immediately.
11. Close the valve.
12. Fill the information on the face of the bottle such as the location of sampling, date of sampling and signature.
13. Collect all samples and Proceed for analysis as per the SOP. If the samples are not taken immediately for analysis store it at refrigerator (2-8°C).
14. Ensure that the analysis is, in any case, is initiated within 24 hrs. after sampling.

Shipment

1. If a contract laboratory is utilized, samples shall be sent by express service to arrive at the contract laboratory.
2. Sample container transfer “boxes” should include provisions for maintaining the sample temperature below 25°C at any time.
3. Samples should not be frozen or cooled to a temperature <2°C.