Aseptic Techniques

• What are aseptic techniques used to do?

  Prevent contamination of cultures by unwanted microorganisms
• Why is preventing contamination important?

  Because contamination can affect growth of microorganisms you're working with
• What is also important to avoid?

  Contamination with disease-causing microbes that could make you ill
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical?

  Regularly disinfect work surfaces to minimise contamination. NO UTENSILS to be put on work surface
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical??

  Contaminated utensils placed in beaker of disinfectant
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical??

  Use sterile equipment and discard safely after use

  • pre-sterilised plastic instruments use once then discard
  • Sterilise glassware before+after use in an autoclave
• What do autoclaves do?


  steams equipment at high presure
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical??

  work near a Bunsen flame. Hot air rises = any microbes in air should be drawn away from the culture
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical??

  minimise time spent with lid off agar plate, to reduce chance of airborne microorganisms contaminating the culture
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical??

  Briefly flame the neck of the glass container of broth just after opening + just before closing = causes air to move out of container = prevents unwanted organisms from falling in
• State one aseptic technique to use when carrying out antibiotic effect on bacteria growth practical??

  Wash hands thoroughly before + after handling cultures