The document outlines good microbiological practices (GMP) essential for laboratory work with microorganisms, focusing on contamination prevention and safety protocols. Key practices include proper handwashing, safe use of equipment like centrifuges and pipettes, and effective spill response procedures. It emphasizes the importance of personal protective measures, decontamination techniques, and adherence to established guidelines to ensure laboratory safety and environmental protection.

1. A N U M B A T O O L
L E C T U R E R B I O T E C H N O L O G Y , I B B B , I U B .
Good Microbiological Practices

2. GOOD MICROBIOLOGICAL PRACTICE
(GMP)
Basic code of practice that should be applied to all
types of work involving microorganisms.
 Objectives:
Prevent contamination of laboratory workers and the
environment, Prevent contamination of the
experiment/samples.
 Application of aseptic technique, Minimization of
aerosols, contamination control, personal protection,
emergency response.

3. HANDWASHING
One of the single effective means of preventing infections if
done properly and frequently
 When to wash?
 Before starting any manipulations
 Before leaving the lab
 When hands are obviously soiled
 Before and after completing any task in a BSC
 Every time gloves are removed
 Before contact with one’s face or mouth
 At the end of the day
 Liquid dispensers should be used rather than bars
 Level 1 lab - a non antiseptic soap can be used
 Level 2 lab - requires antiseptic hand washing solutions

4. SAFE USE OF CENTRIFUGES
Before use
 Stress lines- Overfilled ?Balanced?
 Caps or stoppers properly in place?
 Run conditions achieved?
 Use sealable buckets (safety cups) or sealed rotors
After run
 Centrifuge completely stopped?
 Spills or leaks?
 Allow aerosols to settle (30 min) or open in a BSC.
 Check logs to ensure centrifuge is consistently achieving
desired conditions.

5. Centrifuge

6. NEEDLES AND SYRINGES
 Avoid use whenever possible
 Use a BSC for all operations with infectious material
 Fill syringes carefully
 Do not bend, shear needles.
 Dispose of all used needles/syringes in yellow sharps
containers
 Use safe needle devices if possible; locking units.

7. PIPETTES
 Mouth pipetting is prohibited.
 Never force fluids out
 To avoid splashes, allow discharge to run down
dispense the receiving container wall.
 Never mix material by suction and expulsion.
 Reusable pipettes should be placed horizontally in a
disinfectant filled pan.

8. BLENDERS, GRINDERS, SONICATORS,
AND LYOPHILIZERS
 Operate in a BSC whenever possible.
 Allow aerosols to settle for 5 minutes before opening.
Safety Blender
 Do not use glass blender jars
 Decontaminate immediately after use
Lyophilizers
 Use glassware designed for vacuum work, ensure there is no
damage before using
 All surfaces should be disinfected after use
 Use vapour traps whenever possible
Safety blender – designed to prevent leakage from the bottom of the
blender jar and to withstand sterilization by autoclaving.
 They also provide a cooling jacket to avoid biological inactivation.

9. INOCULATION LOOPS
 Sterilization in an open flame may create aerosols
which may contain viable microorganisms.
 Use a shielded electric incinerator
 Shorter handles minimize vibrations
 Disposable plastic loops are good alternatives

10. CRYOSTATS
 Wear gloves during preparation of frozen sections
and heavy gloves when accessing the cryostat.
 Decontaminate frequently (100 or 70%
Ethanol)Freezing tissue does not necessarily
inactivate infectious agents.

11. SPILL RESPONSE
 Spill response will vary depending on:
 What was spilled?
 How much was spilled?
 Where was the spill?
 What is the potential for release to the environment?
 Spills should be cleaned up immediately (unless an aerosol
was generated), to ensure proper decontamination.
 Ensure appropriate PPE is worn and clean-up equipment is
readily available.

12. SPILLS-GENERAL CLEAN-UP
 Cover spill area with absorbent material
 Soak the spill area with an appropriate disinfectant (i.e.
10% bleach)
 Pour disinfectant from the outside of the absorbent
material towards the inside
 Ensure any broken glass is picked up (with forceps!) and
placed in a sharps container
 Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes
 Wipe up with absorbent material
 Waste should be disposed in appropriate biohazard bags
and where possible autoclaved.

13. SPILLS-SPECIAL CASES
 Within a Centrifuge
 Within a BSC
 Open Areas (lab, during transport)
 A spill response plan should be prepared BEFORE
the spill occurs

14. SPILLS
 All users of biological materials should be familiar
with the spill clean-up procedures.
 All spills are to be reported ASAP to the lab
supervisor and the BSO.
 Additional assistance is available from: Your
departmental safety officer, Local community
services (if available)