STREAKING A PLATE IN 2022

I hear you wondering what has changed in streaking. If you were my age,  you would know that a lot has changed. Isolating single colonies is a very technical task that requires the best tools. And thanks to us, it is now more achievable and safer than ever before.

First of all, one does not need to use metal loops anymore as we no longer need to sterilize them. Stopping the use of open flames in the lab has dramatically increased safety. On top of the obvious, it being a fire hazard, these flames also disrupted the airflow of biosafety cabinets causing potential cross-contamination. Hot wires could also possibly kill the bacteria one was trying to isolate. And the practice of cooling them, with the creation of condensation accumulating in the petri dish cover was for the least questionable if one wanted to maintain a sterile loop! Now pre-sterilized disposable inoculating loops and needles make this task safer and more efficient.

The metal loops also had the bad tendency of accumulating little burnt debris which would cut or break the gel while streaking. Some disposable loops have their injection point right on the loop. I admit that this may be easier to manufacture but it causes aggravation in the technologist’s hands and may be the cause of their somewhat lukewarm reception when they were introduced. Well, let it be known that Simport’s inoculating loops and needles have demonstrated their high quality over the years and have satisfied generations of difficult-to-please technicians. Please allow me to share a customer testimonial:

« You would think loops are just loops and they are all the same but it really makes a difference to the bench microbiologist. We do a lot of steaking on agar plates, maybe 100+ plates a day, and a good loop that provides a smooth streak really helps. 

All other loops we’ve used just don’t streak as smoothly. Besides working in the lab, I also have the responsibility of ordering all the lab supplies. Your loops are described as “the good loops” and every time another brand is in the lab, the lab employees come to me and ask “can you get the good loops next time, we miss them”.  I have worked in 5 different microbiology labs throughout my career and I have gotten the same response regarding your loops at each of those labs. I make sure to search out and order Simport loops as much as possible.  Your loops really are the best! »

In conclusion, to streak properly in 2022, one simply needs to order Simport’s inoculating loops and needles, it is that simple. You can also order samples to try them for yourself right here on the product page. Good streaking!