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.

What is meant by inoculation loop?

Definition. noun, plural: inoculating loops. A tool usually made of platinum or nichrome wire in which the tip forms a small loop with a diameter of about 5 mm, and is used to smear, streak, or take an inoculum from, a culture of microorganisms.

What is the purpose inoculating loop?

Inoculating loops are used to introduce microorganisms into a culture medium.