Inoculation loop


An inoculation loop, also called a smear loop, inoculation wand or microstreaker, is a simple tool used mainly by microbiologists to pick up and transfer a small sample from a culture of microorganisms, e.g. for streaking on a culture plate.
The tool consists of a thin handle with a loop about 5 mm wide or smaller at the end. It was originally made of twisted metal wire, but disposable molded plastic versions are now common.