
This prevents contamination of the agar plate by microorganisms present in the air, fungal spores in particular. Agar plates should be opened facing away from the user, and preferably only just enough to complete the work. The transfer of cultures between agar plates should be completed as quickly as possible, though in a controlled manner. Pots of disinfectant should be kept close by, to dispose of such items without leaving the work area. They are sterilized by flaming over a Bunsen burner, being heated to glowing red, in order to ensure that all microorganisms present on the loop are destroyed.ĭisposable pipettes are also frequently used for the transfer of liquids, and should be removed from its packaging without touching the tip to any surface besides the liquid to be transferred. Wire loops, also known as inoculation or smear loops, are frequently used in microbiology for the purposes of transfer and culture of microorganisms. Test tubes and other vessels containing sensitive biological samples should be flamed around the cap and neck as they are opened, to prevent contaminants entering the tube. In the laboratory, working beside a Bunsen burner creates an upward flow of air through convection, lowering the risk that dust or other contaminants will settle on the sterile surface or equipment. In addition, all sterilized equipment should be easy to reach to prevent the likelihood of having to touch or lean on the surface.


#Five principles of asepsis free
These include: ensuring that the environment is free from external sources of contamination, such as open windows or doorways and ensuring that any tools or implements to be used have been thoroughly sterilized. PageSeven | Shutterstock What are the fundamental rules of aseptic techniques?Ī number of basic procedures must be followed when handling sterile equipment or working in a sterile environment. Liji Thomas, MDĪseptic techniques refer to any method used to sterilize and maintain the sterility of an object or location, such as an operating theatre or laboratory, though it may also wound care to prevent infection.
