Aseptic technique is critical, I repeat, CRITICAL, in this lab. Since we are working with very small DNA samples, and that being in limited quantities, it is very important to avoid any contamination of our samples! Although you will not have to worry about this in an online lab, when you work in-person, you have to be aware of some things with the technique. Much of this will be explained in the video links, but some of the practices include:
Always ask your graduate student or PI if you are unsure about something!
Check out the video below on aseptic technique. Additionally, here is a Vimeo link about aseptic technique from our microbiology lab instructor, Dr. Oli: https://vimeo.com/41315162
...and a really lengthy doc about aseptic technique: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941987/#:~:text=Aseptic%20technique%20refers%20to%20a,unwanted%20microorganisms%20in%20the%20laboratory.&text=The%20goal%20is%20for%20these,while%20working%20in%20a%20laboratory.
- Washing your hands when you enter and exit the lab
- Wearing gloves at all times, and changing your gloves frequently
- Working next to a flame for your lab techniques when necessary, ex: protein purification and transformation
- Having your hair tied back and taking off loose jewelry
Always ask your graduate student or PI if you are unsure about something!
Check out the video below on aseptic technique. Additionally, here is a Vimeo link about aseptic technique from our microbiology lab instructor, Dr. Oli: https://vimeo.com/41315162
...and a really lengthy doc about aseptic technique: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941987/#:~:text=Aseptic%20technique%20refers%20to%20a,unwanted%20microorganisms%20in%20the%20laboratory.&text=The%20goal%20is%20for%20these,while%20working%20in%20a%20laboratory.