Clinical Microbiology Inoculating Loops, Needles and Spreaders
Wide Range of Products to Accommodate the Preferences of All Microbiologists
Needles, spreaders and inoculating loops are important tools used in large numbers in clinical microbiology for a multitude of different tasks. Some of these tasks involve the planting and streaking of hundreds of urine specimens per day or the careful selection of suitable material for culture within tenacious samples such as sputum, pus, tissue or feces.
The type and style of loop to be used depends on the particular task at hand. Microbiologists often have strong personal preferences as to which style they find most efficient and suited to a particular job. One fact is certain, there is no single multipurpose loop that covers all applications. Some Microbiologists prefer to use metal loops together with a bacteriological incinerator or Bunsen, allowing them to re-sterilize and re-use loops. Others prefer or need to use single-use, disposable plastic applicators. Planting and streaking specimens under the safety hood usually requires the use of plastic disposable loops. Plastic loops are also manufactured with different types of plastic material that impact the loops' rigidity or flexibility in order to meet different user preferences. Rigid plastic loops often work better for scraping or harvesting organisms from a slant or plate and for making stab cultures. Different tasks and preferences mean that many laboratories want to stock different types of loops. COPAN is unique because it offers both rigid and flexible loops to accommodate different users' preferences.
Calibrated Plastic Inoculation Loops
Color Coded for Easy Product Identification
Each loop type has a unique color code to facilitate easy recognition of loop size and flexibility.
Ultra Smooth Surface for Perfect Streaking
COPAN loops have no rough plastic edges, flashing or burrs on the loop head. Users experience a smooth, problem free plant and streak of every culture with no gouges to the agar during streaking.
Rigid or Flexible Loops
COPAN manufactures two lines of 1µl and 10µl loops using two different types of plastic: soft-flexible or harder rigid. The option in flexibility allows COPAN to cater to different applications and Microbiologists' preferences.
Free of Lubricants, Oils and Electrostatic Charges
Eliminating electrostatic charges, lubricants and oils allows for consistent wetting of the plastic and enables the correct surface tension on the inside walls of the loop. The correct size droplet is formed and complete transfer of this volume takes place without leaving behind any beads of liquid.
Hexagonal Loop Shaft for Easy Handling
The shaft of each COPAN loop has a hexagonal shape creating a handle with six flat surfaces. This unique design facilitates maximum grip and easy orientation of the loop head. When planting and streaking cultures for isolated colonies, the hexagonal handle allows the Microbiologist to quickly and easily rotate the loop head from one flat side to another or from flat side to the edge of the loop. Diluting streaks for isolated colonies can be performed very quickly and smoothly through this easy action. The hexagonal loop shaft helps the Microbiologist index the first streak then to rotate the loop head to achieve the second, third and fourth dilution streaks.
Choice in Packaging Available
COPAN loops are available in zip lock resealable bags, medical peel pouches, individually wrapped or in plastic tubes.
Loop Accuracy Certified Using Evans Blue Dye Method
The volume delivery consistency of each production lot of loops is quality controlled and certified using the Evans Blue Dye Method. This method measures the actual volume of liquid transferred by a loop.
Certification of Calibration in Every Pack
Plastic Spreader
L-Shape Spreaders
COPAN sterile L-Shape Spreaders have a foot with a completely smooth rounded surface, free of rough edges and imperfections in the plastic. This feature enables even spreading of liquid sample across the surface of agar plates without gouging or cutting the medium.
T-Shaped Plastic Spreaders
COPAN sterile T-Shaped Spreaders are designed for spreading and dispersing liquids across the surface of agar culture plates. Spreaders are used for performing bacterial CFU plate counts on water, milk, urine and other liquid samples. COPAN T-Shaped Spreaders have all smooth rounded surfaces to prevent any cutting or gouging of agar during inoculation of culture plates. The T-Shape design means that even pressure is applied across the entire length of the T-bar in contact with the agar surface.
NiChrome Wire Loop
COPAN offers a wide selection of economical and durable NiChrome wire loops (calibrated and non-calibrated), handles and combo loops.
Ultra Smooth
COPAN NiChrome wire loops have completely smooth surfaces and will not cut or gouge through agar medium when streaking plate cultures.
Flexible and Rapid Cooling
Loops are made of an 80/20 Nickel-Chrome metal wire for durability and rapid cooling following heat sterilization. A strand of wire is molded around a specific pin size to form the loop shape and then the ends of wire strand are twisted together. The testing process gives the loops its characteristic flexibility.
Durable and Economical
Designed to be durable and long lasting, COPAN NiChrome loops can last for last many weeks or months depending on the frequency of use. The loops cost less than traditional platinum-rhodium loops.
Certificate of Calibration Provided with Each Purchase
Non-Calibrated NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loops
Non-Calibrated Loops are available in four sizes with internal diameters (Ø) of 2, 3, 4 or 5mm and supplied in tubes containing 25 loops.
Catalog Number: CAS310-25
Product Description: NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loop
Calibrated: No
Size: 2mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per tube
Catalog Number: CAS311-25
Product Description: NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loop
Calibrated: No
Size: 3mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per tube
Catalog Number: CAS312-25
Product Description: NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loop
Calibrated: No
Size: 4mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per tube
Catalog Number: CAS313-25
Product Description: NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loop
Calibrated: No
Size: 5mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per tube
Calibrated NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loops
Two volumetric size loops are available, 1µL and 10µL for performing quantitative specimen cultures such as urianalysis. Accuracy conforms to FDA Drill Bit Method. Loops are sold individually and are supplied with a Certificate of Calibration.
Catalog Number: CAS314-01
Product Description: NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loop
Calibrated: Yes
Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 1 loop
Catalog Number: CAS315-01
Product Description: NiChrome Wire Inoculating Loop
Calibrated: Yes
Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 1 loop
Loop Handles
COPAN offers a choice of either lightweight aluminum or heavier Nickel-plated brass handles for use with replaceable NiChrome wire loops. The shaft of each loop handle is insulated with PVC. Both handles are available in 6 or 7 inch sizes.
Catalog Number: CAA150-01
Product Description: Aluminum Loop Holder with PVC Handle
Size: 6in/150mm length
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each
Catalog Number: CAA175-01
Product Description: Aluminum Loop Holder with PVC Handle
Size: 7in/175mm length
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each
Catalog Number: CAB150-01
Product Description: Plated Brass Loop Holder with PVC Handle
Size: 6in/150mm length
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each
Catalog Number: CAB175-01
Product Description: Plated Brass Loop Holder with PVC Handle
Size: 7in/175mm length
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each
Combo-Loops (Combined loop and handle)
COPAN offers a range of NiChrome wire loops attached to light weight insulated aluminum handles. Combo-Loops are non-calibrated and available in a range of loop sizes 2, 3, 4 and 5mm internal diameter (Ø). Combo-Loop handles are color coded to facilitate easy size identification, and offer the convenience of a ready-to-use loop and handle all in one. Like regular NiChrome loops, Combo-Loops are sterilized between uses with an incinerator or Bunsen flame. The whole unit is designed to be discarded when the wire loop wears out.
Catalog Number: CAS316-01
Product Description: Non-Calibrated Loop with Aluminum Insulated Handle
Calibrated: No
Size: 2mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each or 5 per pack
Catalog Number: CAS317-01
Product Description: Non-Calibrated Loop with Aluminum Insulated Handle
Calibrated: No
Size: 3mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each or 5 per pack
Catalog Number: CAS318-01
Product Description: Non-Calibrated Loop with Aluminum Insulated Handle
Calibrated: No
Size: 4mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each or 5 per pack
Catalog Number: CAS319-01
Product Description: Non-Calibrated Loop with Aluminum Insulated Handle
Calibrated: No
Size: 5mm ø - 26 Ga.
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each or 5 per pack
Tool Gauges
Continual heating and cooling of the NiChrome wire loops to sterilize between uses creates a risk that the loop may become distorted or an excessive buildup of burnt organic material may form on the surface. Both conditions can significantly alter the liquid volume delivered by the loop and affect the accuracy. COPAN offers a simple QC procedure for checking the accuracy of the loops based on the FDA Drill Bit Method for checking the calibration of metal loops, using a Go/No-Go tool gauge for both 1µL and 10µL.
Catalog Number: CAK34
Product Description: Calibration Gauge
Size: For use with 1µL loop
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each
Catalog Number: CAK35
Product Description: Calibration Gauge
Size: For use with 1µL loop
Unit of Measure (UOM): Each
Calibrated Plastic Disposable Inoculation Loops
Catalog Number (Individually Wrapped): CD175S01
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 200 individually wrapped loops per box
Catalog Number (Ziplock Resealable Bag): COP-H1
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per bag - 40 bags per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Peel Pouch): 8175CS20H
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 20 loops per peel pouch - 50 pouches per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Tube): CST-H1
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 50 loops per tube, 20 tubes per case
Catalog Number (Individually Wrapped): CD177S01
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 200 individually wrapped loops per box
Catalog Number (Ziplock Resealable Bag): COP-H10
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per bag - 40 bags per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Peel Pouch): 8177CS20H
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 20 loops per peel pouch - 50 pouches per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Tube): CST-H10
Product Description: Rigid (hard) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Dark Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 50 loops per tube, 20 tubes per case
Catalog Number (Individually Wrapped): CD178S01
Product Description: Flexible (soft) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Light Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 200 individually wrapped loops per box
Catalog Number (Ziplock Resealable Bag): COP-S1
Product Description: Flexible (soft) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Light Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per bag - 40 bags per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Peel Pouch): 178CS20
Product Description: Flexible (soft) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Light Green
Loop Size: 1µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 20 loops per peel pouch - 50 pouches per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Individually Wrapped): CD176S01
Product Description: Flexible (soft) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Light Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 200 individually wrapped loops per box
Catalog Number (Ziplock Resealable Bag): COP-S10
Product Description: Flexible (soft) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Light Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per bag - 40 bags per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Peel Pouch): 179CS20
Product Description: Flexible (soft) plastic inoculation loop
Color: Light Blue
Loop Size: 10µL
Unit of Measure (UOM): 20 loops per peel pouch - 50 pouches per box (1,000 loops)
Plastic Disposable Spreaders
Catalog Number (Individually Wrapped): COPTS-1
Product Description: T shape plastic spreader
Color: Dark Blue
Unit of Measure (UOM): 1 spreader per peel pouch - 500 spreaders per box
Catalog Number (Packaged 5 per Pouch): COPTS-5
Product Description: T shape plastic spreader
Color: Dark Blue
Unit of Measure (UOM): 5 spreaders per peel pouch - 1000 spreaders per box
Catalog Number (Packaged 10 per Pouch): COPTS-10
Product Description: T shape plastic spreader
Color: Dark Blue
Unit of Measure (UOM): 10 spreaders per peel pouch - 1000 spreaders per box
Catalog Number (Individually Wrapped): 174CS01
Product Description: L shape plastic spreader
Color: Dark Blue
Unit of Measure (UOM): 1 spreader per peel pouch - 500 spreaders per box
Catalog Number (Packaged 5 per Pouch): 174CS05
Product Description: L shape plastic spreader
Color: Dark Blue
Unit of Measure (UOM): 5 spreaders per peel pouch - 1000 spreaders per box
Catalog Number (Packaged 10 per Pouch): 174CS10
Product Description: L shape plastic spreader
Color: Dark Blue
Unit of Measure (UOM): 10 spreaders per peel pouch - 1000 spreaders per box
Plastic Disposable Inoculation Needles
Catalog Number (Ziplock Resealable Bag): COP-NED
Product Description: Plastic inoculation needle
Color: Violet
Unit of Measure (UOM): 25 loops per bag - 40 bags per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Peel Pouch): 176CS20
Product Description: Plastic inoculation needle
Color: Violet
Unit of Measure (UOM): 20 loops per peel pouch - 50 pouches per box (1,000 loops)
Catalog Number (Tube): CST-NED
Product Description: Plastic inoculation needle
Color: Violet
Unit of Measure (UOM): 50 needles per tube, 20 tubes per case
