Aseptic technique

Successful cell culture depends heavily on keeping the cells free from contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Non-sterile supplies, media and reagents, airborne particles laden with microorganisms, unclean incubators and dirty work surfaces are all sources of biological contamination. Aseptic technique, designed to provide a barrier between the microorganisms in the environment and the sterile cell culture, depends upon a set of procedures to reduce the probability of contamination from these sources. The elements of aseptic technique are a sterile work area, good personal hygiene, sterile reagents and media, and sterile handling.