Inoculation needle

[1][full citation needed] It is one of the most commonly implicated biological laboratory tools and can be disposable or re-usable.

[1] A standard reusable inoculation needle is made from nichrome or platinum wire affixed to a metallic handle.

[2][3] Inoculation needles are primarily applied in microbiology for studying bacteria and fungi on semi-solid media.

[2][3] For ease of manipulation it is common practice to hold the needle with the dominant hand as if handling a pencil.

The open end of the broth culture will be flamed to reduce risk of contamination and the creation of aerosols.

In slant culture transfer, the inoculation needle will be first treated with the aseptic technique by flaming.

Flaming the open end of the slant culture will prevent contamination and the formation of aerosols.

[2][3] Transfer happens once the tip of the inoculation needle comes into contact with the agar surface of the slant culture.

The lid is held hovering above the culture plate to prevent contamination from the surrounding environment.

[1] The inoculation needle after incineration is cooled down on an uninoculated region of the agar plate culture.

Aseptic technique is applied to the open end of the broth culture to prevent contaminants, and the needle is flamed for sterilization.

[1] Microbial aerosols can be created from the hitting of the inoculation tip to the sides of the agar plate.