Which one is the correct flame test method?

Question

Which one is the correct flame test method?

A. Platinum wire is dipped into concentrated HCl and then held in the flame. It is dipped into concentrated HCl again. the testing compound is taken on the wire and held in the bunsen flame.

B. Platinum wire is dipped into concentrated HCl. the testing compound is taken on the wire and held in the bunsen flame.

Answer 1

B. is more correct - assuming that the Pt wire loop produces a neutral yellow flame.

If it does not, then try proceedure A.  If this fails, wipte the Pt loop with a stiff paper towel (duh, make sure the loop is cool!), dip in acid, and loop for the the neutral yellow flame.  If this fails, either get a new Pt loop or clean the loop with a metal file, then acid....