Aseptic techniques (CCEA)

Part ofBiology (Single Science)Health, diseases and micro-organisms

What is an aseptic technique?

To safely grow uncontaminated bacterial colonies an is used:

  1. Turn on a Bunsen burner to kill airborne microorganisms.

  2. Pass a metal loop through the flame to sterilise it.

  3. Allow the loop to cool to avoid killing bacteria to be grown.

  4. Flame the neck of the bottle to sterilise it after removing its lid.

  5. Dip the loop into the bacterial culture to it.

  6. Partially lift the lid of the to minimise contamination.

  7. Glide the loop over the agar surface to spread bacteria.

Aseptic techniques – in practice
  1. Pass the loop through the flame again to sterilise it.

  2. Tape the lid onto the Petri dish.

  3. Incubate at 25°C – below body temperature to ensure pathogenic microorganisms do not grow. Incubate upside down to avoid condensation dripping on the bacteria.

  4. Clean work surfaces and hands using disinfectant/alcohol to kill bacteria.

  5. Dispose of cultures by to ensure safety.

Aseptic technique
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