Description
Flame test loop
Nichrome wire
Microbiologists use inoculating loops to transfer microorganisms to growth media. It is easy to sterilize and reuse because nichrome wire resists deterioration with repeated heat/cooling cycles.
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 to redness and then remove for 15-30 seconds to cool. When cooled, it is ready for culture inoculations.