UNIT 4.1 Aseptic Technique

This unit describes common laboratory procedures that can reduce the risk of culture contamination (sepsis), collectively referred as “aseptic technique.” Two major strategies of aseptic work are described: using a Bunsen burner and a laminar flow hood. Both methods are presented in the form of general protocols applicable to a variety of laboratory tasks such as pipetting and aliquotting, preparation of growth media, inoculation, passaging, and spreading microorganisms on Petri dishes. Keywords: sterile technique; sterile work; Bunsen burner; laminar flow; laminar hood