Microbiology Lab: Safety and Procedures

Microbiology Lab

• The microbiology lab is a space to learn, study, isolate, and identify microorganisms like bacteria through the use of different lab techniques
• Bacteria are not visible to the naked eye
• Bacteria can be either pathogenic or non-pathogenic
• Bacteria can be isolated from sources like air, water, soil, food, surfaces, hands, and lab benches

Safety Procedures

• Safety procedures and precautions in the microbiology lab are designed to restrict microorganisms present in specimens or cultures to their containers
• Safety measures prevent environmental microorganisms from interfering with studies
• Hands and bench tops must be kept clean using disinfectants, like 95% ethyl alcohol or 70% ethanol
• Lab coats should be worn, and long hair should be tied back
• Work areas should be free of unnecessary items
• Gloves can prevent direct hand contact with stains and reagents
• Putting anything in the mouth is prohibited in labs

General Laboratory Directions

• Always read assigned lab materials prior to the lab period
• Remove coats, jackets, and outerwear, and leave them with backpacks, books and papers at a designated location
• Each student must wear a fresh, clean, and knee-length lab coat to be admitted
• At the beginning and end of each session, students must clean their assigned bench-top area with a provided disinfectant solution
• Jewelry should not be worn in the lab
• Keep fingers, pencils, and similar objects away from the mouth
• Consumption of anything is prohibited in the lab
• Discard all cultures and used glassware into the container labeled "CONTAMINATED" for sterilization
• Plastics and other disposable items should be discarded separately in containers for sterilization
• If unsure about the correct procedure, ask the instructor.
• In case of spillage, drop, or any accident, alert the instructor immediately
• Cover any spill with a paper towel and disinfectant
• Allow the disinfectant to sit for 15 minutes before cleaning the spill with fresh paper towels
• Removing specimens, cultures, or equipment from the laboratory is prohibited
• Before leaving the laboratory, it is important to carefully wash and disinfect hands

Aseptic Techniques

• Aseptic techniques refer to practices that prevent microbial contamination
• Correct implementation maintains the sterility of equipment and key parts during procedures
• Aseptic techniques are essential to maintain student and work safety and prevents contamination

Lab Instruments

• An introduction to lab instruments and equipment is provided including:
• Working bench area: Maintaining cleanliness
• Bunsen Burner: Correct and safe usage
• Incubator, Refrigerator, and Microscopes
• Staining area
• Disinfectants
• Technician room: For support
• Biomedical waste containers: Differentiating between them
• Contaminated culture: Yellow bags
• Non-Contaminated waste: Black bags
• Sharp containers: for sharp objects such as slides

Lab Regulations

• Punctuality is a must
• There must be respect shown to the lecturer, classmates, and technicians
• The evaluation of work and behavior in the lab is continuous
• Work is done in groups, so cooperation is necessary
• From the second week, the following items must be brought to the lab: lab coat, permanent marker, lighter for the Bunsen burner, tissue papers, and personal hygiene products
• Marks will be deducted for not following instructions
• Attendance is important, as there are only two unexcused absences allowed

Course Outline

• The course outline is available on e-learning
• The instructor will go through the course outline in class
• Grade distribution will be discussed in detail

Communication

• E-learning is the main way to communicate with the course coordinator
• Office hours are in the course outline
• E-learning should be used for any questions and clarifications, except for private conditions
• Minimize entry to the technician room unless required
• E-learning announcements will be the main method of disseminating news or modifications

Attendance and Compensation

• Attending all lab sessions is important because practical work is 30% of the total grade
• Attendance is recorded in the system seven days after the lab date
• Excuses for absence must be shown to the coordinator no later than seven days after the lab
• Only two absences are allowed and a third absence will result if failing the course
• To compensate for an approved absence, a form must be signed by the coordinator to be accepted by your lecturer
• Compensation is only allowed within the same week