Inoculation Wand

(Helps the magic happen)

What are they and why do we use them? What types are there?

An inoculation wand (aka. inoculating loop) is a critical tool for Sterile Technique. It is used to pick up colonies of bacteria in order to transfer them to a new location without contaminating them. There are two types;

1. Reusable Inoculating Wand - With a metal handle and a nichrome wire, this is paired with a Bunsen burner to allow for easy reuse of the wand.

2. Single-Use Inoculating Wands - Set of plastic wands that come in a pre-sterilised pack. Massive waste of plastic and resources, but can be useful for extremely sensitive experiments.

When do you use?

1. Reusable Inoculating Wand

   • Any microbiology protocol that requires movement of a colony from a solid surface to another solid surface.

   • Any microbiology protocol that requires movement of a colony from a solid surface to a liquid surface.

   • When attempting to emphasise a point to a your class, it can be a useful lecturing pointer.

2. Single-Use Inoculating Wands

   • Extremely delicate protocols, such as those with

How do you use?

1. Reusable Inoculating Wand

   • Read this page on Sterile Technique

2. Single-Use Inoculating Wands

   • When working with single-use wands, once a pack is opened - it is only good for the day. Throw it away or use the entire pack by the end of the day.

   • You must throw away each wand after use on a single plate. Since there is no way to sterilise the wand, it must be chucked in the bin and a new wand pulled out between every sample.

   • Plastic biological waste generally needs to be burned, it can’t be recycled in the traditional manner. Consult your local legislation to learn whether this applies in your region. If so, seriously consider switching to a reusable wand.