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Updated: May 22, 2026

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods
18:00

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

Published on: May 11, 2012

Aseptic laboratory techniques: plating methods.

Erin R Sanders1

  • 1Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. erins@microbio.ucla.edu

Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|May 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study details five essential laboratory plating methods for isolating, propagating, and enumerating microorganisms like bacteria and phage. Mastering aseptic technique ensures experimental success by preventing contamination during these crucial microbiological procedures.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Laboratory Techniques

Background:

  • Microorganisms contaminate laboratory surfaces, posing risks to experimental integrity.
  • Sterilization and aseptic techniques are critical for successful microbial experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe five standard laboratory plating methods for microbial manipulation.
  • To provide guidance on isolating, propagating, and enumerating bacteria and phage.

Main Methods:

  • Streak-plating for bacterial colony isolation.
  • Pour-plating and spread-plating for bacterial enumeration.
  • Soft agar overlays for phage isolation and enumeration.
  • Replica-plating for cell transfer between plates.

Main Results:

  • All methods emphasize aseptic technique to maintain sterility.
  • Procedures are suitable for Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) organisms at the bench.
  • Adaptations for Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) organisms require a biosafety cabinet.

Conclusions:

  • Proficiency in these plating methods is essential for microbiology students.
  • Proper technique prevents contamination and ensures accurate microbial quantification.
  • Selecting the appropriate plating method is key to experimental design.