How do I work safely with bacterial cultures?

BIOL 1406

PreLab 9a.1

How do I work safely with bacterial cultures?

In this lab you will be working with a strain of the bacterium E. coli. The bacterial strains used by molecular biologists are generally safe to work with. E. coli, for example, is a common species present in the digestive tract of all warm-blooded animals and it is usually harmless. When working with bacteria, however, it is wise to remember that mutations may occur in any cell. In addition, harmless cultures may accidentally become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. For these reasons, it is important to handle any bacterial culture as if it were pathogenic. The reasons for using safe practices when working with any bacteria are similar to the reasons why universal precautions are taken in hospitals when handling any body fluids. Although the majority of hospital patients do not have a blood borne disease like HIV or hepatitis, all body fluids are handled as if they were contaminated.

Colonies of E. coli growing on the surface of nutrient agar

Safety procedures for handling bacteria:

Clear your work area of all non-essential items such as purses, clothing, backpacks, and books you will not need during lab.
Wipe off your lab table with disinfectant solution before you begin.
Remove dangling jewelry and make sure long hair is pinned or tied out of the way.
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when working with bacterial cultures and dispose of the gloves in a BIOHAZARD bag.
Food and beverages are NOT allowed in the lab room. Never place pens, pencils, fingers, labels, or any other items in your mouth while in the lab.
Avoid spilling solutions that contain bacteria. In case of an accidental spill, inform your instructor. Wipe up as much of the spilled material as you can with paper towels and dispose of them properly. Thoroughly soak the area where the spill occurred with disinfectant solution. Wait 20 minutes before wiping up the disinfectant solution.
Dispose of materials and supplies used during the lab as follows:
- Plastic and paper disposable items (e.g. paper towels, gloves) should be placed in a BIOHAZARD bag.
- Any sharp disposable item that could puncture a biohazard bag and pose a danger to the person who must handle the bag should be place in a hard-sided plastic or cardboard “sharps” container.
- Reusable items should be submerged and left in a dilute bleach solution.
- If you have any doubt about how to dispose of an item, ask your instructor. Don’t guess!
When you have completed the lab activity, remove all items from your lab table and wipe it with disinfectant solution.
Before you leave the lab, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your Turn
Why is it is important to handle any bacterial culture as if it were pathogenic?	Check your answer.
List 4 things you should do before you begin any work with bacterial cultures or other biohazards in lab.	Check your answer.
When handling bacteria, what should you do in case of an accidental spill?	Check your answer.
List 3 things you should do after you finish working with bacterial cultures or other biohazards in lab.	Check your answer.

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