1.4.1: Aseptic Technique and Subculturing Bacteria

Aseptic techniques are procedures utilized to reduce microbial numbers in an attempt to prevent spreading the microbes. Aseptic techniques include things such as washing hands properly, disinfecting work surfaces, sterilizing inoculating tools, and other procedures used when transferring/subculturing bacteria microbes that are aimed at reducing the likelihood of contamination.

Subculturing is the process of moving bacteria from a media source in which they have been growing to a new sterile media source. This may be done simply to help keep some of the bacteria alive for study, but also done during isolation techniques and during the identification process as bacteria are introduced to different types of media to aid in the determination of the identity of the bacteria.

In this laboratory activity you will practice aseptic technique as you subculture bacteria to different types of media. Remember that the goals of aseptic techniques in the lab are to prevent the contamination of your sample, prevent contamination of your work space, and prevent contaminating yourself.

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