Whats the difference between inoculation and contamination?

Answer 1

Five I's

1. Inoculation: The sample is placed into a container of sterile medium that provides microbes with the appropriate nutrients to sustain growth.

2. Incubation: An incubator can be used to adjust the proper growth conditions of a sample.

3. Isolation: The end result of inoculation and incubation is isolation of the microbe.

4. Inspection: The cultures are observed for obvious growth characteristics that could be useful in analyzing the specimen contents.

5. Identification: Determine the type of microbe, usually to the level of species.

Answer 2

Inoculation is the intentional introduction of microorganisms into a culture media for the purpose of growing and studying them. Contamination, on the other hand, refers to the unintentional presence of unwanted microorganisms in a culture, which can interfere with the experiment or study being conducted.

Answer 3

It's mostly a matter of extent. Inoculation is simply exposure. Contamination is not so controlled and usually far more harmful.