Standard Microbiological
Practices
UT Biosafety Office
http://biosafety.utk.edu
Standard Microbiological Practices
(SMP)
What are they?
• Basic “hygiene” practices that apply to all labs
and clinics that manipulate microorganisms or
biological materials that contain microorganisms.
What’s their purpose?
• To minimize the spread of contamination
generated through the lab processes to protect
both personnel and the environment.
Standard Microbiological Practices
(SMP)
SMP’s apply to a broad spectrum of activities including:
• Manipulation of any microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi,
and protozoa.
• Manipulation of materials that may contain microbes including
animal and plant tissues, soil samples, and water samples.
• Receiving, processing, and testing of diagnostic samples.
• Research involving recombinant DNA molecules, transgenic
animals, or genetically modified plants.
• Manipulation of animals or plants that are experimentally
infected with microbes.
• Work with biological toxins and other bioactive molecules.
Biohazards
This symbol indicates that there is a biological
material that can cause harm to yourself, others
in the lab, or the environment. Use caution
whenever you see this symbol. Speak to your
advisor for additional information about the
biohazards present in the lab.
Lab Hygiene: The Basics
• Do not store food or drink in lab.
• Do not consume food or drink in the lab.
• Do not apply facial cosmetics (including
lipstick, lip balm, etc.) in lab.
• Keep personal items
out of areas where
biological or other
hazardous materials
are manipulated or
stored.
Lab Hygiene: Hand Washing
• Extremely important SMP!
– Reduces accidental infection
risk
– Minimizes spread of
contamination
• Use soap and running
water.
• Lather for 20-30 seconds.
• Waterless hand cleaners
may be used if soap/water
aren’t available, but hands
should be properly washed
as soon as possible.
Proper response to an exposure
can reduce your risk of an infection…
If potentially infectious materials enter your body
through:
– A cut or puncture with a contaminated sharp
– Entry through broken skin
– A splash to the eyes, nose or mouth
– Accidental ingestion
You must:
– Flush the exposed area (15 minutes)
– Immediately report to your supervisor
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when
handling or manipulating biological materials
(including wastes) to prevent accidental
exposures.
Some types of PPE are gloves, lab coat, safety
goggles, and safety glasses.
Sharps Safety
Some examples of sharps are needles, scalpels,
and contaminated broken glassware. These
materials must be handled in a safe manner.
• Do not handle sharps with 2 hands.
• Don’t pass a sharp device from one hand to
another.
• Don’t recap needles or scalpels!
Waste Segregation
There are different types of
biological waste.
Sometimes biological
waste is mixed with
chemical waste. Speak
with your advisor on how
to dispose of your research
waste properly. Research
waste does not go into a
regular trash can.
Disinfect all contaminated surfaces
after procedures.
•
•
•
•
Clean surfaces of visible debris before you disinfect.
Know your disinfectant before you use it.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Questions to ask before selecting a disinfectant:
– Is the product effective for organisms of concern?
– Is the product designed for your
application?
– What are the hazards to the user
and what PPE is required?
– What is the dilution ratio?
– Contact time?
– Shelf-life?
Transporting Biological Materials
Biological materials should be stored in primary containers that are
designed to contain the material inside. Use sample containers that are
manufactured for that purpose.
Do not hand-carry primary containers outside the lab without a secondary
container. A secondary container is intended to capture leakage or spillage
from the primary container.
Therefore a suitable secondary container for moving materials within a
building should be:
• Have a lid if used for transporting primary containers that are open.
• Leak-proof on the sides and bottom
• Non-breakable
• Have raised sides
• Easy to grasp (ideally, have a handle)
Containment devices
Below is a chemical fume hood. This is
only to used for handling chemicals.
Above is a biosafety cabinet. This is
to be used for handling biological
materials that are infectious.
Get training from your supervisor PRIOR to using either containment device.
If you have any questions,
contact the Biosafety Office
Brian Ranger, MS, SM(NRCM), CBSP
Biosafety Officer, UTK/UTIA/GSM
974-1938 or branger@utk.edu
OR
Sarah DiFurio, MS, RBP
Biosafety Specialist, UTK/UTIA/GSM
974-9836 or sbottomL@utk.edu
http://biosafety.utk.edu
Quiz Time
To complete the Staying Safe in the Laboratory Training Module,
please click here for the quiz.