Tips for Aseptic Technique in the Laboratory -- Personal Protection and Cleanliness (Part 3 of 4)

Cara N. Wilder, Ph.D.

In a Microbiology laboratory, it is important to maintain the health and safety of all personnel. To avoid health risks, laboratory scientists should wear protective gear and be aware of any potential hazards nearby. Generally, protective wear serves two purposes; to protect the scientist from laboratory hazards and to shield the experiment from unintentional contamination. Below, we describe several mechanisms to maintain laboratory safety.


A scientist wearing a lab coat, disposable
gloves, and protective eye-wear

• Upon entering and exiting a lab, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with anti-microbial soap.
• While in the lab, avoid touching your face or eyes. Further, do not handle make-up or contacts as they may become contaminated.
• Only enter the lab wearing closed-foot shoes. Open-toed shoes should never be worn in a laboratory as it leaves you susceptible to potential cuts or infection from broken glassware or sharp equipment.
• While performing an experiment, wear a clean, fitted laboratory coat. For additional protection, use a closed-front laboratory coat. Laboratory coats should never leave the lab, and should be cleaned frequently. Additionally, ensure that the sleeves of your coat are fitted so that they will not catch fire near an open flame, nor become entangled.
• When working with microorganisms, wear fitted, disposable gloves. Flakes of dry skin harbor bacteria, which may provide a source of contamination; wearing gloves will mitigate the risk. Additionally, disposable gloves decrease the risk of infecting any hand wounds.
• Pull back long hair or use a hair cover. Long hair is notorious for attracting dust, a potential source of contamination. Additionally, long hair could be a health hazard when working near an open flame. 
• Use protective eye-wear or a face shield when working with hazardous materials or cultures. If your eyes come in contact with microorganisms or harmful chemicals, wash your eyes for 15 minutes in an eye-wash and seek medical attention immediately.

Stay clean, and happy culturing!