Abstract: A sterile disposable bacteriological transfer and inocculating loop has a base and a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers extending generally in a common axial direction from the base and diverging from one another to free ends spaced further from one another than the portions of the fingers adjacent the base, whereby said fingers are adapted to be used successively to plate or streak a bacteriological specimen on a growth medium. Prior to use said fingers are enclosed in a cylindrical container which affords a sterile environment.