BISC209: Aseptic Transfer: Difference between revisions

2. Holding your loop like a pencil, insert the loop into the flame as illustrated in Figure A-1.  The orientation of the loop wire in the flame is important for proper incineration. Keep the wire in the flame until it is red-hot.  Then move the adjacent nonwire part of the loop lightly through the flame.  The wire will now be sterile, and the nonwire part will have any dust burned off that might have fallen into the media during the transfer procedure.  Remember that the loop is now hot and sterile.  Allow the loop to cool for a few seconds in the air.  

3. Pick up the stock broth tube of your organism  with your other hand, while still holding the sterile loop.  With the hand holding the loop, use your little finger against your palm to remove the cover from the culture tube as shown in Figure A-2.  Do not put the cover down on your bench.  If the tube was closed with a cotton or plastic plug, lightly pass the lip of the tube through the Bunsen burner to burn off any adhering dust.  If the tube was closed with a plastic cap the lip of the tube should be sterile and this flaming is probably unnecessary.  Now, insert the loop into the broth, and then remove it, carrying a loopful of culture.  Flame the top of the culture tube, replace the tube cover, and return the tube to a rack.