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National Standard Methods in PDF Format

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COMMENT ON NATIONAL STANDARD METHODS

KEY:

I = Issued
UR / I = Issued and Under Review
UR = Under Review
D = Draft

WD = Withdrawn
C = Contact Standards Unit

National Standard Methods - Bacteriology SOPs

Some National Standard Methods are available in Italian

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

BSOP 1

Investigation of ear swabs and associated specimens

I

7.1

May 05

BSOP 2

Investigation of eye swabs and canalicular pus

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 3

Investigation of bronchoalveolar lavage & associated specimens

WD

5.1

May 05

BSOP 4

Investigation of mouth swabs

I

5.1

May 05

BSOP 5

Investigation of nose swabs

I

5.1

May 05

BSOP 6

Investigation of specimens for Bordetella species

I

6.1

May 05

BSOP 7

Investigation of blood cultures for Mycobacterium species

UR / I

3.2

May 05

BSOP 8

Investigation of sputum

WD

5.1

May 05

BSOP 9

Investigation of throat swabs

I

6

Aug 05

BSOP 11

Investigation of skin, superficial, and non-surgical wound swabs

UR / I

3.2

May 05

BSOP 14

Investigation of abscesses and post-operative wound and deep-seated wound infections

UR / I

4

May 05

BSOP 15

Investigation of bile

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 17

Investigation of tissues and biopsies

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 19

Investigation of sinus aspirate

I

6.1

May 05

BSOP 20

Investigation of intravascular cannulae and associated specimens

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 22

Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid shunts

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 23

Investigation of gastric aspirates and infection screen swabs from neonates

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 25

Investigation of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis fluid

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 26

Investigation of fluids from normally sterile sites

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 27

Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 28

Investigation of genital tract and associated specimens

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 29

Investigation of specimens for screening for MRSA

UR / I

4.2

May 05

BSOP 30

Investigation of faeces specimens for bacterial pathogens

I

5.1

May 05

BSOP 31

Investigation of specimens other than blood for parasites

UR / I

2.2

May 05

BSOP 36

Investigation of Specimens For Ectoparasites

C

N/A

N/A

BSOP 37

Investigation of blood cultures (for organisms other than Mycobacterium species)

I

5

Aug 05

BSOP 38

Investigation of Bone Marrow

C

N/A

N/A

BSOP 39

Investigation of dermatological specimens for superficial mycosis

C

N/A

N/A

BSOP 40

Investigation of specimens for Mycobacterium species

D

N/A

N/A

BSOP  41

Investigation of Urine

I

5

May 05

BSOP 42

Investigation of Bone

C

N/A

N/A

BSOP 45

Susceptibility Testing

UR / I

1.2

May 05

BSOP  47

Investigation of specimens for Legionella species

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 51

Screening for Meningococci

I

1.1

May 05

BSOP 52

Investigation of intraocular fluids and corneal scrapings

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 54

Inoculation of culture media

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 55

Investigation of gastric biopsies for Helicobacter pylori

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 56

Investigation of specimens for Chlamydia species

C

N/A

N/A

BSOP 57

Investigation of Bronchoalvelolar Lavage, Sputum and Associated Specimens

I

1

May 05

BSOP 58

Screening Swabs For Group B Streptococcal Carriage

I

1

Aug 05


Number of Issued Bacteriology SOPs: 32

National Standard Methods - Bacteriology Identification

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

BSOPID 1

Introduction to the preliminary identification of medically important bacteria

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 2

Identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae , Corynebacterium ulcerans and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID  3

Identification of Listeria species, non-toxigenic Corynebacterium species and other non-sporing gram-positive rods

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 4

Identification of Streptococcus species, Enterococcus species and morphologically similar organisms

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 5

Identification of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis from selective agar

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 6

Identification of Neisseria species

I

2

Nov 05

BSOPID 7

Identification of Staphylococcus species, Micrococcus species and Stomatococcus species

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 8

Identification of Clostridium species

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 9

Identification of Bacillus species

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 11

Identification of Moraxella species and morphologically similar organisms

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 12

Identification of Haemophilus species and the Hacek group of organisms

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 13

Identification of Pasteurella species

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 14

Identification of non-sporing, non-branching anaerobes

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 16

Identification of Enterobacteriaceae

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 17

Identification of glucose non-fermenting rods

UR / I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 18

Presumptive identification of Legionella species

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 19

Identification of Vibrio species

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 20

Identification of Shigella species

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 21

Identification of Yersinia species from faeces

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 22

Identification of Escherichia coli O157

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 23

Identification of Campylobacter species

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 24

Identification of Salmonella species

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPID 26

Identification of Helicobacter species

I

1.1

May 05


Number of Issued Bacteriology ID SOPs: 23

National Standard Methods - Food

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

F 2

Preparation of Samples and Dilutions

I

1.4

May 05

F 10

Aerobic Plate Count at 30°C: Surface Plate Method

I

1.4

May 05

F 11

Aerobic Plate Count at 30°C: Spiral Plate Method

I

1.4

May 05

F 12

Enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus

I

1.4

May 05

F 13

Detection of Salmonella species

I

2

Sep 05

F 14

Enumeration of Clostridium perfringens

I

2.4

May 05

F 15

Enumeration of Bacillus cereus and other Bacillus species

I

1.4

May 05

F 16

Enumeration of Escherichia coli in Raw Molluscs by the Multiple Tube Technique

I

4.2

May 05

F 17

Detection of Escherichia coli O157 by Immunomagnetic Bead Separation

I

2.4

May 05

F 19

Detection and Enumeration of Listeria species

I

1.4

May 05

F 20

Direct Enumeration of Escherichia coli

I

1.4

May 05

F 21

Detection of Campylobacter species

I

2

Nov 05

F 23

Enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae by the Colony Count Technique

I

1.4

May 05


Number of Issued Food SOPs: 13

National Standard Methods - Media

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

MSOP 1

Blood and chocolate agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 2

Cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 3

Fastidious anaerobe agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 4

Neomycin fastidious anaerobe agar

I

6.1

May 05

MSOP 5

GC selective agar (New York City)

I

8.1

May 05

MSOP 6

Sabouraud Agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 7

Hoyle's tellurite agar

I

6.1

May 05

MSOP 8

Pseudomonas selective agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 9

Burkholderia cepacia selective agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 10

Mannitol salt agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 11

Charcoal blood agar with cephalexin

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 12

Staph/Strep selective agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 13

Hyne's desoxycholate citrate agar (DCA)

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 14

Xylose lysine desoxycholate (XLD) agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 15

Cefsulodin Irgasan novobiocin (CIN) agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 16

Thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose (TCBS) agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 17

Clostridium difficile selective agar

WD

N/A

Sept 02

MSOP 18

Bacillus cereus selective agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 19

Selenite F broth

WD

N/A

Sept 02

MSOP 20

Campylobacter selective agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 21

Baird Parker agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 22

Listeria selective agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 23

Cefixime tellurite sorbitol MacConkey (SMAC) agar

I

5.1

May 05

MSOP 24

Helicobacter pylori selective agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 25

Actinomyces selective agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 26

Fastidious anaerobe broth

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 27

Supplemented brain heart infusion broth

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 28

Haemophilus ducreyi selective agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 29

Legionella selective agar

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 30

MRSA selective media

I

4.1

May 05

MSOP 31

Tryptone bile x-glucuronide (TBX) agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 32

Brilliant green agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 33

Clostridium perfringens selective agar (TSC)

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 34

Nutrient broth

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 35

Glucose agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 36

Lactose gelatin medium

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 37

MacConkey agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 38

Mannitol lysine crystal violet brilliant green agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 39

Membrane enterococcus agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 40

Milk agar with cetrimide

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 41

Milk plate count agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 42

Motility nitrate medium

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 43

Nutrient agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 44

Plate count agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 45

Violet red bile glucose agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 46

Violet red bile lactose agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 47

Yeast extract agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 48

Bile aesculin agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 49

Susceptibility testing agar

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 50

Fraser broth

I

3.1

May 05

MSOP 51

Mannitol selenite broth

I

1

June 05

MSOP 52

Clostridium difficile cefoxitin-cycloserine agar

I

1

June 05


Number of Issued Media SOPs: 50

National Standard Methods - Guidance Notes

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

QSOP  2

Local document control of documents issued by Technical Services. The Health Protection Agency
UR / I
4.2
Sep 05
QSOP  3

Protocol for amendment to clinical bacteriology standard operating procedures
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP  4

Uncertainty of Measurement in Testing
I
5
Aug 05
QSOP  5

Handling and transport of samples (for the purposes of UKAS accreditation)
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  6

Monitoring, maintenance and calibration of autoclaves (for the purposes of UKAS accreditation)
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  7

UKAS requirements laboratories using ready-to-use media produced by outside suppliers
UR / I
4.2
Sep 05
QSOP  10

Traceability of liquid-in-glass thermometers in UKAS accredited laboratorie
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  12

Avoiding cross-contamination risks in the food laboratory
UR / I
4.2
Sep 05
QSOP  13

Auditing in Health Protection Agency accredited laboratories
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  15

Submitting projects relating to PHLS standard operating procedures
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP  17

Handling of formal food samples in the laboratory
I
4.1
Aug 05
QSOP  18

Recommended minimum internal quality control in food mcrobiology testing laboratories
UR / I
4.2
Sep 05
QSOP  19

Specification for food and dairy products request forms
I
4.1
Aug 05
QSOP  20

Specification and standard comments for dairy products report forms
I
4.1
Aug 05
QSOP  21

Specification and standard comments for food report forms
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  22

Minimum performance testing requirements for food and dairy standard methods
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  23

Conducting evaluations in the PHLS
UR / I
3.1
Jun 03
QSOP  24

Determining the coefficient of variation of specimen sampling and dilution on the Labotech/PersonalLAB
UR / I
4.1
Sep 05
QSOP  25

Determinig the coefficient of variationof specimen sampling (large volume) on the Labotech
UR / I
4.1
Sep 05
QSOP  26

Determinig the coefficient of variationof specimen sampling (large volume) on the PersonalLAB
UR / I
4.1
Sep 05
QSOP  27

Quality assurance in the diagnostic virology and serology laboratory
I
4
June 03
QSOP  28

Qualifications, experience and duties/responsibilities of Food Examiners in the Health Protection Agency
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  29

Protocol for involvement of PHLS Laboratories and staff in the investigation of food, dairy products and waterborne disease
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  30

Laboratory diagnosis of legionella infections in the HPA
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  31

Surveillance of polio
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  32

Interpretation of NAMAS Information Sheet (NIS 42) for laboratories
UR / I
4.1
Sep 05
QSOP  33

European Directive on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (98/79/EC)
UR / I
3.2
Sep 05
QSOP  34

Risk assessment: Safe disposal of laboratory waste
UR / I
2.2
Sep 05
QSOP  36

Corrective and preventive action
UR / I
3.1
Sep 05
QSOP  37

Procedure for dealing with presumptive pathogens isolated from ready-to-eat foods
I
4.1
Aug 05
QSOP  38

Good laboratory practice when performing molecular amplification assays
UR / I
2.2
Sep 05
QSOP  39

Food and water law sources for food, water and environmental laboratories
UR / I
4.1
Sep 05
QSOP  42

Microbiological examination of CSFs, that may contain agents of spongiform encephalopathies
UR / I
2.2
Sep 05
QSOP  44

Microbiological investigation of patients with acute lymphadenopathy and fever
I
1.1
Aug 05
QSOP  45

Installation, operation, maintenance and performance testing of the "Dynal Bead Retriever"
UR / I
1.2
Sep 05
QSOP  48

Investigation of Viral Encephalitis and Meningitis
I
2.1
Aug 05
QSOP  50

Requirements of Food Examiners, Experts Witnesses and Witnessess of Fact Acting For/On Behalf of the Health Protection Agency
I
1.2
Aug 05
QSOP  51

Laboratory detection and reporting of bacteria with extended spectrum ß-Lactamases
I
2
Jun 05
QSOP  53

Recommendations for the screening of specimens for Corynebacterium species
I
1
Aug 05
QSOP  55

Investigation of Vesicular Rashes
I
1
Nov 05
QSOP  57

The Microbiological Examination of Water Samples
I
1
Sep 05
QSOP  58

Presumptive diagnosis of Enterobacter sakazakii infection
I
1
Nov 05


Number of Issued Guidance Notes SOPs: 40

National Standard Methods - Test Procedures

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

BSOPTP 2

Aesculin hydrolysis test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP  3

Agglutination test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 5

Bile solubility test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 8

Catalase test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 10

Coagulase test

I

3

Oct 05

BSOPTP 12

Deoxyribonuclease test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 19

Indole test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 21

Motility test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 22

Nagler test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 24

ONPG (ß-galactosidase) test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 25

Optochin test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 26

Oxidase test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 27

Oxidation and fermentation of glucose test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 29

Porphyrin synthesis (ala) test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 30

Potassium hydroxide test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 32

Changing the phase of Salmonella test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 34

Thermonuclease activity test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 36

Urease test

I

1.1

May 05

BSOPTP 38

X and V factor test

I

1.1

May 05


Number of Issued Test Procedures SOPs: 19

National Standard Methods - Milk and Dairy

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

D 1

Preparation of samples and decimal dilutions

I

2.4

May 05

D 2

Plate count test at 30°C

I

3.1

May 05

D 3

Plate count test at 21°C (pre-incubated)

I

3.1

May 05

D 4

Enumeration of coliforms - colony count at 30°C

I

2.4

May 05

D 5

Enumeration of coliforms and presumptive Escherichia coli by the most probable number (MPN) technique

I

2.4

May 05

D 6

Determination of peroxidase activity (Storch test) in milk

I

2.4

May 05

D 7

Determination of alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Pasteurised Milk and Cream - Fluorimetric Method

I

1.4

May 05


Number of Issued Milk and Dairy SOPs: 7

National Standard Methods - Virology

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

VSOP 1

Chlamydia trachomatis infection - minimum testing algorithm

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 2

Gastroenteritis: sporadic cases - minimum testing algorithm

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 3

Gastroenteritis: outbreaks - minimum testing algorithm

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 4

Hepatitis B virus serology

UR / I

4.1

June 03

VSOP 5

Hepatitis C virus serology

I

5

Aug 05

VSOP 6

Hepatitis, jaundice and abnormal LFTs

I

2.2

Nov 05

VSOP 6.2

Epstein-Barr virus serology

D

N/A

N/A

VSOP 6.3

Hepatitis A virus acute infection serology

I

2.2

June 05

VSOP 6.4

Cytomegalovirus serology

I

2.2

May 05

VSOP 7

Hepatitis B surface antigen reactive

UR / I

2.1

June 03

VSOP 9

Hepatitis B in pregnancy

UR / I

2.1

June 03

VSOP  10

Hepatitis dialysis patients algorithm

C

N/A

N/A

VSOP 11

Anti-HIV algorithm

I

1

Aug 05

VSOP 12

Preparation of coated grids for electron microscopy

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 13

Investigation of clinical specimens by electron microscopy using the floatation (direct) method

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 14

Investigation of clinical specimens by electron microscopy using concentration by differential centrifugation (double-spin method)

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 15

Investigation of clinical specimens by electron microscopy using concentration by ammonium sulphate precipitation

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 16

Investigation of clinical specimens by electron microscopy using solid phase immune electron microscopy

I

4.1

May 05

VSOP 17

Isolation of herpes simplex virus associated with herpes genitalis

I

3.1

May 05

VSOP 18

Complement fixation tests

I

1.1

May 05

VSOP 19

Investigation of herpes simplex encephalitis by Idaho LightCyclerTM PCR

WD

N/A

-

VSOP 20

Nucleic Acid Extraction by the Boom Method

I

3

June 05

VSOP 21

Isolation of Viruses associated with infections of the eye

UR / I

1.1

May 05

VSOP 22

Respiratory Viruses

C

N/A

N/A

VSOP 23

Investigation of human herpes viruses (excluding herpes genitalis)

UR / I

1.1

May 05

VSOP 24

Isolation of enteroviruses and parechoviruses

I

1.1

May 05

VSOP 30

Investigation of erythrovirus (parvovirus) B19 in pregnant women exposed to rash illness

I

3

Aug 05

VSOP 31

Management of confirmed erythrovirus (parvovirus) B19 infection in pregnancy

I

3

Aug 05

VSOP 32

Investigation of rubella in pregnant women of unknown rubella immunity status exposed to rash illness

I

3

Aug 05

VSOP 33

Pregnant patient in contact with rash illness

I

2.2

May 05

VSOP 34

Investigation of pregnant patient with rash illness

I

2.2

May 05

VSOP 35

Investigation of Cytomegalovirus infection by Roche Lightcycler PCR

UR / I

1.1

May 05

VSOP 36

Operation of the Roche MagNA Pure LC automated nucleic acid extraction robot

UR / I

1.1

May 05

VSOP 37

Chlamydia Infection - Testing by Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAATs) - Minimum Testing Algorithum

I

1

May 05

VSOP 38

Detection of SARS-CoV by reverse transcription PCR

I

1

Dec 04

VSOP 39

Preparation of cell cultures for viruses isolation

C

N/A

N/A

VSOP 40

RT-PCR (Block Based) for Influenza H5 viruses

I

2

July 05

VSOP 41

Real-Time RT-PCR (Taq Man) for influenza A H5 viruses

I

2

July 05

VSOP 42

RT-PCR for the detection of influenza A virueses

I

1

Dec 04

VSOP 43

Investigation of viral encephalitis

I

1

Aug 05


Number of Issued Virology SOPs: 35

National Standard Methods - Water

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

W 1

General technique for the detection of bacteria by membrane filtration

I

3.3

May 05

W 2

Enumeration of coliforms and Escherichia Coli by membrane filtration

I

3.3

May 05

W 3

Enumeration of enterococci by membrane filtration

I

2.2

May 05

W 4

Colony count by the pour plate method

I

4.1

May 05

W 5

Enumeration of clostridium perfringens by membrane filtration

I

3.1

May 05

W 6

Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by membrane filtration

I

2.3

May 05

W 7

Detection of Salmonella spp

I

2.3

May 05

W 8

Detection of Campylobacter species by membrane filtration

I

2.1

May 05

W 9

Enumeration of Aeromonas species by membrane filtration

I

1.3

May 05

W 10

Enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus by membrane filtration

I

3.3

May 05

W 12

Detection and enumeration of Legionella species by filtration and centrifugation

I

1.1

May 05

W 13

Detection and enumeration of Legionella species by centrifugation

I

1.1

May 05

W 14

Detection and enumeration of Legionella species by positive pressure membrane filtration

I

1.1

May 05

W 15

Detection and enumeration of Legionella species in biofilms and sediments

I

1.1

May 05

W 16

Detection of E. coli O157

UR / I

3.1

May 05

W 17

Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba species

I

2.3

May 05

W 18

Enumeration of coliforms and Escherichia Coli by Idexx (Colilert 18) Quanti-TrayTM

I

2.3

May 05

Number of Issued Water SOPs: 17