The inoculating loop is sterilised by passing it at an angle through the flame of a gas burner until the entire length of the wire becomes orange from the heat. In this way all contaminants on the wire are incinerated. Never lay the loop down once it is sterilised, or it may again become contaminated.

Why is it important to sterilize your inoculating loop before and after each use?

The loop is sterilized after the initial inoculum is put on to avoid contamination of other microbes or impurities. A pure culture is composed of one form of bacteria or microbes solely, whereas a mixed culture is composed of a mixture of microbes (Morello, J.

Why is it important to sterilize the inoculating loop?

Flame-sterilize the inoculating loop in order to prevent contamination of the bench surface and as a consideration to others in the lab who may later use the inoculating loops.