Fundamentals of Microbiology

Inoculation Needle and Loop

  Inoculation needle is a metallic rod with a straight wire attached at one end with the help of a special holder. Usually a stainless steel or a platinum iridium wire is used. It is used for stab culture and for picking single colonies. In inoculation loop, the end of wire is closed to form a  flat circular loop of 2-4mm diameter. It is used for streaking as it can pick up large amount of solid culture or liquid. Both should be sterilized by heating almost vertically in a flame. The tip should become red hot.