Sterile swab is the full name of disposable sterile sampling swab. The sterile sampling swab does not contain or other live microorganisms. Common sterilization methods include autoclave, EOS (ethylene oxide gas) and γ-ray irradiation. In medicine, we usually use sterile swabs for biological sample collection.  Such as bacterial sample processing, COVID-19, nasal swab sampling, throat swab sampling, oral swab sampling, virological cell culture and so on are ideal ways.

Swabs are sterile to maintain the integrity of the sample. Usually, there is a resealable sterile container or bag to preserve the integrity during processing and transportation to the laboratory. Many different people use sterile cotton swabs, including medical personnel, food manufacturers and crime scene investigators.

Sterile swabs can be used to collect samples. The material, size and shape of the sterile swab head may be different, such as round or pointed. Traditional swab may be made of cotton fiber, polyester or calcium alginate.  Collection and publishing volumes are large and may be corrupted. Traditional swab laboratory staff also need to use scissors to cut, which is too troublesome and time-consuming.Our new flocked disposable sampling cotton swab greatly reduces the time cost and has the advantage of being easier to use than traditional swabs.

The main advantages of our sterile flocked swab are as follows.

1. It has extraordinary water absorption capacity and can increase the number of samples collected on the watch from 20% of the traditional sampling swab to 60%.

2. The release rate of collected samples exceeds 90%, which ensures the high reliability of the results.

3. Select different preservation solutions for different types of samples.

4. The plastic rod has a unique fragile design, which is convenient for sample transportation.

5. Ethylene oxide sterilization, irradiation sterilization and independent packaging.

Sampling operation method.

1.Nasopharyngeal swab sampling.

Nasopharyngeal Sampling diagram

①Insert a sterile swab into the nostril of the patient,reaching the surface of the posterior nasopharynx.

②Swab over the surface of the posterior nasopharynx. Hold the swab in the nosefor15-30s and rotate it 3 times.

③Withdraw the sterile swab from the nasal cavity.

④Put virus sampling tube vertically.

⑤At the breaking point, disconnect the swab, discard the tail, and completely place the swab into the tube.

⑥Tighten the tube cap, mark it, put it into the biosafety bag and seal it.

2.Oropharyngeal swab sampling

Oropharyngeal Sampling diagram

① Keep the head slightly tilted, the mouth open, and the pharyngeal tonsils on both sides exposed.

②The sampling personnel shall wipe the root of the tongue with a swab. Wipe the pharyngeal tonsils on both sides of the subject back and forth with a strong force for at least 3 times, and then wipe the posterior pharyngeal wall up and down for at least 3 times.

③Put the sampled swab into the virus sampling tube, break the swab rod at the mouth of the tube cover and completely put it into the tube.

④Tighten the tube cap, mark it, put it into the biosafety bag and seal it.

⑤Submit for inspection in time.

Anal swab sampling

Anal Sampling diagram

①The patient is in the knee chest position or lateral position.

② Gently insert a sterile cotton swab into the anus for 3cm-5cm, and then gently rotate and pull it out.

③Immediately put it into a 15ml outer screw cap sampling tube with 3ml-5ml virus preservation solution.

④Fold off the tail of the cotton swab, tighten the sealing cover, and then submit it for inspection in time.

⑤In order to avoid embarrassment of the examinee, anal swab sampling is generally conducted in a more private place, and the operation requirements of anal swab sampling are more strict. Generally, there will be no obvious discomfort after anal swab sampling.