Chemical Hygiene Plan and Safety Manual - LP3013.4

Aseptic Technique

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to establish and maintain standards for aseptic technique for Purity Laboratories, Inc. (Purity) in the Microbiology Department. The purpose of aseptic technique is to minimize the possibility of microorganism transfer between the environment and test samples, standards or preparation materials.

2.0 Scope

This procedure applies to all personnel employed at Purity Laboratories, Inc. and to anyone otherwise working on the premises

3.0 Safety

Normal chemistry laboratory precautions apply, including eye protection, lab coat and other protective precautions as required

4.0 Definitions

4 1 Aseptic Technique: (Sterile Technique) performing a test method under sterile conditions All activities aiming to control the existence, growth and proliferation of contamination in areas of the testing laboratory All sterile surfaces must only be touched and exposed to other sterile surfaces Exposure to the air is to be kept at a minimum

4.2 Contamination: Accidental introduction of foreign material that can affect the results of the test performed. This can be accidental sterilization of the sample or introduction of microorganisms by laboratory personnel.

4.3 Good Microbiological Practices: Includes aseptic technique and other practices that are necessary to prevent contamination of the laboratory with the agents being handled and contamination of the work with agents from the environment. They are in place to ensure contamination does not affect test results.

4.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): protective clothing or garments designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury by objects, heat, chemicals, electrical components, infections and other potential hazards that he or she may be exposed to at his or her occupation

4 5 Universal Precautions: An approach to infection control where all samples including those containing human constituents are treated as if known to be infectious

4 6 Biosafety Level (BSL): The level of the biocontainment precautions required to isolate dangerous biological agents in an enclosed facility The levels of containment range from 1-4 depending on the danger of the hazard with 4 being the most hazardous