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Free resources on hot topics such as TB, AIDS and microbes and climate change.
The long strands are the tubular filaments (hyphae) that have developed from the fungal spores. Yeast cells (rounded, yellow) are budding from the ends of the hyphae (red). Candida albicans causes the infection known as candidiasis which affects the moist mucous membranes of the body, such as skin folds, mouth, respiratory tract and vagina. Oral and vaginal conditions are known as thrush.
Training in GMLP is aimed at developing proficiency in containing any uncontrolled spread of microbes in order to protect:
The techniques and activities described on the website and the micro-organisms suggested present minimum risk given good practice. It is therefore essential that good microbiology laboratory practice is observed at all times when working with any microbes. Before any practical activity is undertaken a risk assessment should be performed to ensure there is minimal hazard to all concerned.
There are five areas for consideration when embarking on practical microbiology investigations which make planning ahead essential.
Good organisational skills and a disciplined approach ensure that every activity is performed both safely and successfully.
Food or drink should not be stored or consumed in a laboratory that is used for microbiology. No one should lick labels, apply cosmetics, chew gum, suck pens or pencils or smoke in the laboratory. Hands should be washed with disinfectant soap after handling microbial cultures and whenever leaving the laboratory. If hand contamination is suspected, then the hands should be washed immediately with disinfectant soap. To ensure that any wounds, cuts or abrasions do not get infected or infection is passed on, protect them by the use of waterproof dressings or wear disposable surgical gloves.
Each individual embarking on these, or any other, activities is responsible for his or her own safety and also for the safety of others affected by their work (students, technicians, teachers). The individual must include in the planning and performance of the investigation a risk assessment to assess any hazard that the investigation may pose and ways of minimising it.
Sterile equipment and media should be used to transfer and culture micro-organisms. Aseptic technique should be observed whenever micro-organisms are transferred from one container to another. Contaminated equipment should preferably be heat sterilised by either incineration or autoclaving. A suitable chemical disinfectant can be used but this may not ensure complete sterilization.
Some microbiology investigations use bioreactors that require oxygenation and this is usually supplied by the use of an aquarium air pump. Care should be taken to ensure that no liquid comes into contact with electrical mains power. The same care should apply if a magnetic stirrer is to be used to mix the growth medium in a bioreactor.