- Is also called a smear loop, micro streaker and inoculation wand.
- The loop is used for cultivation of microorganisms on plates by transferring inoculum for streaking.
- It is easy to sterilize reuse because nichrome wire resists deterioration with repeated heat/ cooling cycles(easy to heat and easy to cool).
- Flame sterilization is a very simple method of killing microorganisms on an inoculating loop.
- hold the wire loop end inside an alcohol burner or Bunsen burner flame for a few seconds to bring it.
- and 15-30 seconds to cool.
- when cooled, it is ready for culture inoculations.
- this tool can be reused in different experiments without fear of cross - contamination.
- The loop of wire at the tip may be made of 24 swg nichrome, platinum or tungsten.
- this is inexpensive way.
- The wire forms a small loop with a diameter about 5 mm.
- The length of loop and wire should be no more than 50 mm.
- With calibrated inoculation loop (calibrated).
- With out calibrated inoculation loop (Non- calibrated).
1. Calibrated inoculation loops:
- 1µL and 10 µL size available.
- This is used for quantitative specimen cultures.
- Certified calibration.
2. Non- calibrated loops:
- Available in range of sizes with internal diameter (Ø) of 2, 3, 4 or 5 mm.
- now a days ready to use Inoculation loops available in market.
- this loop is Gama irradiated sterilizated loop.
- easy to handle and discard.
