Aseptic technique

Definition

Aseptic technique is a set of practices used to prevent contamination by pathogens and maintain sterility. It is crucial in microbiology, medical procedures, and laboratory experiments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aseptic technique involves procedures like sterilizing equipment, wearing gloves, and using disinfectants.
2. It aims to minimize the risk of infection and ensure accurate experimental results.
3. Key components include handwashing, using sterile instruments, and creating a sterile field.
4. Failure to use aseptic technique can lead to contamination of cultures and inaccurate data.
5. Proper aseptic technique is essential for procedures such as inoculating culture media and handling microbial samples.

Review Questions

• What are the primary goals of aseptic technique?
• List three key components of aseptic technique.
• Why is aseptic technique critical in microbiology experiments?

Related terms

Sterilization:

The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life from an object or surface.

Disinfection:

The use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects.

Contamination: The presence of unwanted microorganisms that can interfere with an experiment or procedure.