Question

Lakesha was culturing bacteria. She used aseptic technique to make sure there was no contamination. When she was finished, she used water to clean the surface of her table. She then put the sample in the incubator, removed her gloves, and washed her hands with soap and water.

Which error did Lakesha make in her process?
A student should not culture bacteria in the lab.
Aseptic technique is used for chemical spills.
She does not need to wash her hands after culturing bacteria.
She should be using a disinfectant on her table, not just water.

Answer 1

She should be using a disinfectant on her table, not just water.

Water alone won't reliably kill or remove microbes. After working with cultures you should disinfect work surfaces (e.g., 70% ethanol or diluted bleach) to prevent contamination and exposure.