48 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY 



horizontal position or incline them carelessly against a 

 vertical surface without proper support. 



2. Care of Broken Cultures. If a culture of any organism 

 is accidently broken pour 1 : 1000 mercuric chloride, 2% 

 compound solution of cresol or 5% phenol over it and also 

 over any articles which may have been infected; let stand 

 ten minutes before wiping up. Always disinfect your hands 

 after handling broken cultures. 



3. Disposal of Old Cultures. Heat glassware contain- 

 ing cultures to be discarded one hour in flowing steam. 

 Cultures of pathogenic spore-forming organisms should be 

 autoclaved. Glassware so treated may safely be washed by 

 the student. 



Never throw living cultures into waste crocks, sinks, 

 or elsewhere. You safeguard yourself and others in the 

 laboratory by destroying all living cultures. Carelessness 

 in regard to this matter will not be tolerated. 



4. Care of Slides, Cover-glasses, etc. Slides and cover- 

 glasses used for hanging drop mounts, etc., should be 

 immersed in 1 : 1000 mercuric chloride or chromic acid 

 cleaning solution for at least ten minutes before cleaning. 



5. Care of Cuts and Other Wounds. In case of cuts or 

 wounds, consult the instructor at once. All wounds should 

 be attended to immediately. Tincture of iodin is recom- 

 mended for painting skin abrasions and deep wounds; in 

 the latter case a bandage should be applied to keep extra- 

 neous matter from entering and setting up infection. In 

 case of serious injury, a physician should be consulted. 

 Every laboratory should keep a stock of rolled bandages, 

 etc., for emergencies, 



