What action should be avoided when dealing with a sterile loop?

When working with a sterile loop, it is crucial to maintain its sterility to prevent the introduction of contaminants into your culture or sample. Touching a non-sterile surface compromises its sterility, which can lead to contamination of the microorganisms you are working with. The sterile loop is often used in microbiological procedures such as inoculating media or samples for culture, and any compromise in its sterility can defeat the purpose of the experiment, potentially resulting in inaccurate results or the growth of unwanted microorganisms.

The other actions mentioned are typically appropriate practices in microbiology. Passing the loop through a flame is a common method used to sterilize it before use, ensuring that any potential contaminants are burned off. Storing the loop in a designated, sterilized area prevents contamination and maintains its sterility for future use. Using the loop directly from the flame is a technique employed to maintain sterility before it makes contact with a sample. Thus, option A is the action that should be avoided as it directly undermines the sterility of the loop.