It is necessary to use sterile (aseptic) techniques when obtaining cultures to prevent contamination from external microorganisms. Contamination can lead to inaccurate results and misinterpretation of data. Using sterile techniques ensures that only the microorganisms being tested are present in the culture, allowing for accurate identification and analysis. Additionally, contamination can lead to the growth of harmful pathogens that could pose a risk to the individual obtaining the culture or others who may come into contact with it.
