A laboratory using approximately 1,000 loops per week will consume around 50,000 loops per year. Over time, this leads to substantial plastic waste and continuous purchasing costs.
Moving beyond disposable loops
Reusable metal loops combined with microincineration offer a practical alternative. Modern systems enable rapid and reliable sterilization without disrupting established workflows.
Two complementary approaches are commonly used:
Gas-based Microincineration
Systems such as the LabFlame provide rapid and precise flame ignition for loop sterilization . A uniform and stable flame supports consistent results , while hands-free operation via foot switch or IR sensor improves usability . Integrated safety features, including automatic gas shut-off, enhance operational safety.
The optimized airflow design allows use in clean bench environments while maintaining flame stability.
Flameless Infrared Sterilization
In environments where open flames are restricted, such as Biological Safety Cabinets, infrared systems provide a compliant solution.
The GlowZone Etna uses focused infrared heating to sterilize loops at 750 to 1000 °C within 5 to 10 seconds . The system is instantly ready for use without warm-up and supports touchless operation via IR sensor . An enclosed quartz glass tube helps reduce contamination risk .
This makes it suitable for use inside safety cabinets, where open flames are not permitted in countries such as Switzerland.
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