Losses of FeO, Na₂O, and K₂O from an alkali olivine basalt melted above the liquidus temperature in Pt₈₀Rh₂₀ wire loops are reported as a function of temperature, time, and P_O2. Increasing temperature and decreasing P_O2 increase the losses. Compared to open capsules the wire-loop container reduces FeO loss to a minimum but may exacerbate Na₂O loss. Nonetheless for most types of experiment involving melt these losses are acceptable.