Learning the Aseptic Technique of Transferring Bacteria {Lab 1 - May 12, 2015}

     For the final task of the day, we learned the aseptic technique of transferring bacteria. 

Materials:
     For learning this technique, we needed:

• two test tubes
• inoculating loop
• Bunsen burner

Procedure:

     We first started by lighting the Bunsen burner and sterilizing the inoculating loop by placing it in the flame. 

Test tubes used for
learning the aseptic technique

Elisabeth sterilizing
the inoculating loop

     

     We then removed the   cap from one of the tubes and quickly passed the top of the tube through the flame. The inoculating loop was then placed in the liquid from the tube. Once liquid had been gather, the loop was removed and the tube passed through the flame once more and the cap replaced. The other tube was then taken and had its cap removed and the top passed through the flame. The inoculating loop with the film of liquid from the first tube was then placed into the liquid from the second tube. After slightly mixing the two liquids, we removed the inoculating loop, passed the second tube through the flame, and replaced the cap. The final step was to sterilize the inoculating loop by passing it through the flame. 

Clare mixing the liquid from the first tube
into the second tube - aseptic transfer 

Results/Conclusion:

     We learned how to transfer bacteria using the aseptic technique. If we had been really transferring bacteria, the first tube would have contained the bacteria and the second tube would have contained the broth. We now know how to transfer bacteria. In medical labs, bacteria must be trasnferred without contamination from other sources. The aseptic technique allows us to transfer bacteria without contamination.