Microcosm- The Tiny World Lab24

Basics of microbiology

Microbes are living organisms that are not visible to the naked eye. They are divided into bacteria, fungi,
viruses, prions, and protozoa. Macroscopic parasites are also included in the group. Microbes are ubiquitous in nature, living as free organisms in the environment or on/in plants, animals, and humans, either
as normal flora (not causing harming) or as pathogenic microbes (causing diseases). While some microbes
are confined to only one host, most microbes can live on/in a wide array of hosts in nature. Plant microbes do not cause disease in humans, however some animal microbes can cause disease in humans (so
called zoonotic diseases).Microcosm- The Tiny World Lab24

The role of the microbiology laboratory

The isolation and characterisation of microorganisms causing infections performed by the microbiology
laboratory has two important functions. The first is clinical – everyday management of infections. The
second is epidemiological – knowledge of an infective microbe in a patient can lead to finding its source
and route of transmission. This allows staff to stop infections from spreading. Furthermore, the microbiology laboratory interprets microbiology data for clinicians and for IPC professionals, thus participating in
HCW education. The microbiology laboratory also participates in the development of an institution’s antibiotic policy.

General Laboratory Safety Practices and Procedures

1. If you are taking immune-suppressants, are pregnant, or have a known medical condition that would prevent full participation in the laboratory, please contact the course instructor before the first day of lab.
2. Read and understand each laboratory exercise before you come to class.
3. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew pens in the laboratory.
4. You must wear close-toed shoes while in the laboratory and long pants.
5. No hats of any kind will be allowed in lab, unless allowed by University policy and cleared with the instructor.
6. Long hair should be pulled back to keep it away from bacterial cultures, bacticinerator or open flames.
7. Follow precautionary statements given in each exercise. 
8. Personal electronic devices will be turned off and stored while in this laboratory. *The unauthorized use of any electronic device (phone, tablet, computer) in lab will result in a loss of course points.
9. Know where specific safety equipment is located in the laboratory, such as the fire extinguisher, safety shower, and the eyewash station.
10. Recognize the international symbol for biohazards, and know where and how to dispose of all waste materials, particularly biohazard waste. Note that all biohazard waste must be sterilized by autoclave before it can be included in the waste stream.
11. Keep everything other than the cultures and tools you need OFF the lab bench. Only necessary work material should be at or on the laboratory bench. Coats, backpacks, and other personal belongings will not be allowed on the laboratory bench top. Store them in a place designated by your instructor. This is to prevent cluttering of the workspace and to avoid exposing them to permanent stains, caustic chemicals, and microorganisms used in the exercises.
12. Leave all laboratory facilities and equipment in good order at the end of each class. Before leaving the laboratory, check to make sure the bacticinerator heat sterilizer is turned off.
13. Never, under any circumstances, remove equipment, media, or microbial cultures from the laboratory.
14. No pets are allowed in the laboratory.