What is aseptic technique?
Aseptic technique is a method used in laboratories or clinical setting to prevent the transmission of
unwanted organisms
Why use aseptic technique?
*the goal is to prevent contamination of what you are working on, whether it is someone’s wound or a
bacterial culture that is of interest
*microorganisms are everywhere; in the environment and in/on your body
*therefore, aseptic technique takes vigilance as bacteria and other microbes may be present on your
work bench, floating in the air currents, etc.
*proper aseptic technique can prevent contamination from any source
Minimizing/eliminating contamination
*any materials that will contact your experiments should be sterilized by flaming and all supplies should
not be exposed to the air
*any lids that are removed from your experiment should never be place on the bench top since that is
another source of contamination. Instead, they should be held in your hands in an inverted position so
no microorganisms can fall into the lid and be introduced into your experiment.
Aseptic Technique Basics
Aseptic technique is perhaps best learned by observing and practicing. The video link below provides an
excellent visual intro to some of the basics of aseptic technique used in an industrial setting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRadiLXkqoU
Flaming an inoculating loop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbNkJ6UKNXY
When sterilizing a loop, grasp the handle firmly and begin flaming it starting at the end near the grip,
flaming slowly down towards the loop, being sure that the wire is glowing orange. This ensures that the
loop is being flamed properly and sterilizing.
Aseptic technique is a method used in laboratories or clinical setting to prevent the transmission of
unwanted organisms
Why use aseptic technique?
*the goal is to prevent contamination of what you are working on, whether it is someone’s wound or a
bacterial culture that is of interest
*microorganisms are everywhere; in the environment and in/on your body
*therefore, aseptic technique takes vigilance as bacteria and other microbes may be present on your
work bench, floating in the air currents, etc.
*proper aseptic technique can prevent contamination from any source
Minimizing/eliminating contamination
*any materials that will contact your experiments should be sterilized by flaming and all supplies should
not be exposed to the air
*any lids that are removed from your experiment should never be place on the bench top since that is
another source of contamination. Instead, they should be held in your hands in an inverted position so
no microorganisms can fall into the lid and be introduced into your experiment.
Aseptic Technique Basics
Aseptic technique is perhaps best learned by observing and practicing. The video link below provides an
excellent visual intro to some of the basics of aseptic technique used in an industrial setting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRadiLXkqoU
Flaming an inoculating loop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbNkJ6UKNXY
When sterilizing a loop, grasp the handle firmly and begin flaming it starting at the end near the grip,
flaming slowly down towards the loop, being sure that the wire is glowing orange. This ensures that the
loop is being flamed properly and sterilizing.
