Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science
Department of Biology
MICROBIOLOGY
(LABORATORY)
BIOL 104
Laboratory Discussion 1: Introduction to Basic
Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Trisha Mae M. Cantillano
Importance of Microorganisms in the Ecosystem
• Microorganisms are inherent part of any ecosystem.;
• They are ubiquitous and have profound effects on the functioning of
the earth;
• Extensive research in microbiology has revealed that almost all
ecosystem services are mediated by microbial
metabolism including biogeochemical cycling of
materials, degradation of pollutants,
wastewater treatment, and production of
oxygen.
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
How should we see the microbes in the lab?
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Importance of learning basic practices in the lab
• Basic practices in a
microbiology laboratory
are essential to ensure
the safety of laboratory
personnel, prevent
contamination of
samples, and obtain
accurate and reliable
results.
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biosafety, Biohazard, and Biorisk in Microbiology
• Biosafety – set of rules or measures that are taken to ensure the safe
handling of biological materials to prevent harm to humans, animals,
or/and the environment
• Biohazard – biological substances that pose a threat to health of other
living organisms.
• Biorisks – is the likelihood of exposure to a biological hazard, toxin, or
infectious agent that could cause harm (e.g.: accidental release of
pathogens; loss of biological materials for malicious purposes; potential
contamination).
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biosafety Management
• Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
• Hand washing and Hand
Hygiene
• Work Area Cleaning
• Sterilization
• Waste Disposal
• Familiarization of materials,
equipment and Procedure
(MEP)
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biosafety Management
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biohazard Management
• Pathogenic microorganisms such as
bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli,
Salmonella), viruses (e.g., HIV, Ebola),
fungi (e.g., Aspergillus), and parasites
(e.g., Plasmodium).
• Toxins produced by biological agents,
such as botulinum toxin or ricin.
• Specimens or cultures containing
infectious agents that can cause harm
to humans, animals, or the environment
if not handled properly.
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biorisks Management and Biosafety levels
• Primary Containment Barriers –
includes the physical barriers
that you use to protect yourself
• Secondary Barriers – structural
aspects of the laboratory that
make the working environment
safer
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biorisks Management and Biosafety levels
Note that: Risk groups DO
NOT always equate with
Biosafety Levels, and
Biosafety Levels DO NOT
always equate with the type
of Biosafety Cabinet
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Biorisks Management and Biosafety levels
You can visit:
https://my.absa.org/Riskgroups
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Aseptic Technique
Aseptic techniques are
important microbial
techniques being carried to
avoid contamination of the
workplace, samples and
even the person.
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Aseptic Technique
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Aseptic Technique
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Aseptic Technique
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Laboratory Waste Disposal
• Items that are contaminated with
microorganisms must be autoclaved
before disposal or washing
• Needles and syringes must be thrown
into the sharp's container
• Disposable petri dishes and other
disposable plastic items used in
culturing microorganisms must be
disinfected before disposal
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Laboratory Activity 1
• Familiarization of laboratory materials used in microbiology (lab
notebook)
• Demonstration of Aseptic Techniques
• Things to bring:
• Laboratory Notebook
• PPE
• Gauze
• Cotton
• Medical Tape
• Others that were mentioned before
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
Laboratory Activity 1
• Aseptic Technique
1. Demonstrate proper handwashing technique
2. Demonstrate proper cleaning of Bench top
3. Create a cotton plug by doing the following
1. Cut at least a 6x4 inches of gauze
2. Flatten the cotton and place it in the gauze
3. Roll the gauze and fold it in half
4. Tape the ends
5. Seal the tube
4. Perform aseptic transfer of microorganism from test tube to test-tube and
5. Perform aseptic transfer of microorganism from test tube to test-tube agar
plate
Note: Document everything by taking photos
T.M.M. Cantillano Introduction to Basic Microbiological Laboratory Practices
