Saturday 31 December 2016

Inoculation loop

  • 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.
Two types of inoculation loops available in market.

  1. With calibrated inoculation loop (calibrated).
  2. 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.

What is the fumigation and fogging?

What is the fumigation and fogging?