MICROBIOLOGY

Work area is treated with a disinfectant that will kill any microorganisms that may be present, but not endospores

A loop or needle is sterilized by inserting it into a Bunsen burner flame until it is red hot, ensuring that all contaminating organisms will be incinerated. Allow the loop/needle to cool completely before picking up any inoculum, this will ensure that all viable cells are transferred.

The cap is removed, and the mouth of the tube is passed through the flame. If the tube is a broth tube, the loop is inserted into the tube and twisted several times to ensure the organisms on the loop are deliverd to the liquid. If the tube is an agar slant, the surface of the slant is inoculated by drawing the loop up the surface of the slant from the bottom of the slant to the top. For stab cultures, a needle is inserted into the agar medium. After the culture is inoculated the mouth if the tube is reflamed, and the tube is recapped.

After completing the innoculation the needle/loop is flamed in the bunsen burner, to destroy any organsims. Iteams should be returned to their appropriate place, never laid on the desk.

Loops are used to inocutlate or streak petri plates. The plate cover is raised andheld diagonally over the plate to protect the surface from any contaminationin the air. The loop containing the inoculom is then streaked gently over the surface of the agar

Escherichia coli