Loosen the test tube cap, if necessary, but do not remove it.
Hold the loop in your dominant hand and flame-sterilize1 it. Allow the loop to cool a few seconds.
Pick up the test tube in your non-dominant hand. Use the little finger of the hand holding the loop to remove the cap from the test tube. Do not set the cap down.
Insert the loop into the tube and pick up a loopful of culture.
Remove the loop and carefully replace the cap on the tube.
Return the tube to the rack.
Pick up the tube you wish to inoculate.
Remove the lid as before, again holding the lid in the little finger of the hand holding the loop.
Slide the loop into the tube. (You do not need to rattle the loop to shake off the bacteria.)
Remove the loop and carefully replace the cap on the tube.
