ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE employs general safety practices that help prevent the contamination and spread of microorganisms.  Good aseptic technique requires that all materials are sterilized and care is taken not to introduce new microorganisms from the environment into cultures.  Always follow standard aseptic techniques when working in the laboratory.  Aseptic procedures used in our science labs include:

 The proper preparation:

1. No eating, drinking, or smoking in the laboratory
2. Wear a disposable lab coat to protect your clothing from contamination
   • Disposable lab coats are available for purchase at the Muskegon Baker College Book Store
   • This lab coat may not be worn outside of the lab
   • When contaminated with biologicals, this lab coat must be disposed of properly as a regulated medical waste
   • Please follow specific disposal instructions provided by your instructor
3. Always wash your hands before and after handling microorganisms.
4. Wear disposable gloves and safety goggles when handling cultures. 
5. Use disinfectants to clean the bench top before and after use.
6. Always wash your hands with soap and water upon removing your gloves and disposing them properly.

The proper handling of bacteria stocks, cultures, and media:

1. Neatly prepare your work area before beginning work
2. Sterilize the loop or needle before and after transferring bacteria
   • Sterilized loops are no longer sterile if placed on the bench top
   • Re-sterilize the loops before laying them down
3. Only partially lift off cover of plates to prevent the introduction of foreign bacteria from the air.
4. Flame the tops of tubes before and after the transfer of microorganisms
5. If a culture is spilled or broken, notify the instructor immediately and flood the area with disinfectant.
6. Never take any culture out of the laboratory!

Careful handling of bodily fluids:

1. Some labs may require the use of bodily fluids or tissues.  Please work with your own body fluids or tissues.
2. Please notify the instructor immediately if any accidental transfer of body fluids occurs.