Tips for Aseptic Technique in the Laboratory -- An Introduction to Aseptic Technique (Part 1 of 4)

Cara N. Wilder, Ph.D.

When working in a microbiology laboratory, aseptic technique is fundamental to the success and safety of an experiment.  Generally, aseptic techniques are procedures or processes performed by scientists under sterile conditions to ensure that microbial contaminants do not harm colleagues and are not introduced into sterile solutions, supplies, or experimental cultures.  To minimize the possibility of microbial contamination, ATCC recommends the following practices listed below.  Additional information on risk assessment and precautions can be found in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) publication "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, (BMBL)" at http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/BMBL.pdf. 

The unsafe practice of mouth-pipetting
Photo Provider: CDC/Dr. David Sencer

What to Avoid

• Obtaining microbial strains from colleagues
• Excessive subculturing of microbial strains
• Eating or drinking in the laboratory
• Handling contact lenses and cosmetics in the lab
• Mouth-pipetting media or cultures
• Pouring media
• Sharing media and reagents with colleagues
• Leaving cultures and agar plates exposed to the environment

   

What to Do

• Obtain microbial strains from an authenticated, trusted source
• Wear proper protective clothing
• Disinfect your work space before and after use
• Wash hands before and after handling any microbial cultures
• Work in a biosafety cabinet
• Use sterilized media, equipment, and reagents
• Sanitize the outer surface of reagents before use
• Transfer media and reagents using sterile pipettes
• Locate and use biosafety hazard waste-bins and sharps containers closest to you
• Sterilize and discard all microbial waste in accordance to appropriate biosafety standards
• Handle one culture at a time
• Clean up all spills immediately and properly disinfect the surrounding area

Additional information on aseptic technique will be further discussed in subsequent installments:
Tips for Aseptic Technique in the Laboratory -- Handling Microbial Cultures and Media (Part 2 of 4)
Tips for Aseptic Technique in the Laboratory -- Personal Protection and Cleanliness (Part 3 of 4)
Tips for Aseptic Technique in the Laboratory -- Biosafety Cabinets (Part 4 of 4)