What Is Aseptic Technique and Why Is It Important in Microbiology?

Bacteria can live in virtually every habitable location on earth. They can be both beneficial and hazardous to other organisms, depending on the strain of bacteria. Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria. Aseptic technique must be used in microbiology to avoid contaminating bacteria strains.

Definition

• Aseptic technique is a method employed to keep microorganisms from growing in an area. It can also prevent the spread of a microorganism from one area to another.

Methods

• Aseptic technique involves using only uncontaminated equipment and fluids. It involves sterilizing with a machine or passing through a flame, according to the Rice University Biology Department. Prepackaged sterile products are also available.

Equipment

• Examples of equipment used in aseptic technique include disposable sterile petri dishes to hold bacterial cultures, sterile culture tubes, disposable pipettes and a sterile cabinet to prevent contaminated air from coming into contact with bacteria being studied.

Importance

• If aseptic procedures are not followed or a contaminant such as hair comes into contact with cultures, a bacterial mutation can occur, as can inaccurate results. The methods manual for applied microbiology at Rice University indicates that failure to use and maintain aseptic technique can make experiments a waste of time. More seriously, it can result in the transmission of bacteria to other areas and increase the risk of infections spreading, according to the National Health Service in the UK.