An inoculation loop, also called a smear loop, inoculation wand or microstreaker, is a simple tool used mainly by microbiologists to retrieve an inoculate from a culture of microorganisms. Its tip is a wire made of platinum or nichrome, the latter being inferior but less expensive. The wire forms a small loop with a diameter of about 5 mm. This loop is handy for taking an inoculate from a liquid by using the phenomenon of surface tension. The inoculation loop is always sterilized in a flame until it becomes red hot before and after each use. By doing this, the same tool can be reused in different experiments without fear of cross-contamination. After flame sterilization, the loop must be cooled so that the next cells to touch the loop don't instantly die.