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.