Fundamentals of Microbiology

2.2.1.1 Red Heat

Instruments such as inoculating wires and loops are sterilized by holding them in a flame until they are red hot. Incineration is routinely followed for destroying the microbial load in hospital and laboratory wastes. The contaminated materials (cloths, bandages etc) and lab animals are burnt off in incinerator.

Flaming of instruments eg. Glass spreaders, forceps, scissors are subjected to flaming after dipping in alcohol and then allowing the alcohol to flame and burn off. (This can destroy only vegetative microorganisms).