Answer to Question #349414 in Microbiology for Maham

Question

Explain some good microbiological practices

Answer 1

1. Treat all microorganisms as potential pathogens. While the majority of microorganisms are not pathogenic to humans and have never been shown to cause illness, under unusual circumstances a few microorganisms that are not normally pathogenic can act as pathogens. Treat all microorganisms—especially unknown cultures—as if they were pathogenic.
2. Sterilize equipment and materials. All materials, media, tubes, plates, loops, needles, pipetes, and other items used for culturing microorganisms should be sterilized by autoclaving. Otherwise, use commercially sterilized products.
3. Disinfect work areas before and after use. Use a disinfectant, such as a 10% bleach or 70% ethanol solution, to wipe down benches and work areas both before and after working with cultures.
4. Wash your hands. Use a disinfectant soap to wash your hands before and after working with microorganisms.
5. Never pipette by mouth. Use pipette bulbs or pipetting devices for the aspiration and dispensing of liquid cultures.
6. Do not eat or drink in the lab, nor store food in areas where microorganisms are stored. Never eat or drink in the laboratory while working with microorganisms. Keep your fingers out of your mouth, and wash your hands before and after the laboratory activity. Gloves may be worn as extra protection.
7. Label everything clearly. All cultures, chemicals, disinfectant, and media should be clearly and securely labeled with their names and dates. If they are hazardous, label them with proper warning and hazardous information.
8. Autoclave or disinfect all waste material. All items to be discarded after work, such as culture tubes, culture plates, swabs, toothpicks, wipes, disposable transfer needles, and gloves, should be placed in a biohazard autoclave bag and autoclaved 30 to 40 minutes at 121° C at 20 pounds of pressure. If no autoclave is available and you are not working with pathogens, the materials can be covered with a 10% bleach solution and allowed to soak for at least 1 to 2 hours.
9. Clean up spills with care. Cover any spills or broken culture tubes with a 70% ethanol or 10% bleach solution; then cover with paper towels. After allowing the spill to sit with the disinfectant for a short time, carefully clean up and place the materials in a biohazard autoclave bag to be autoclaved. Wash the area again with disinfectant.