Types of Swabs
Published by AllSwabs.com on Aug 01, 2025
Types of Swabs — A Healthcare Professional’s Guide
Medical swabs are essential tools used for specimen collection, wound care, diagnostics, and cleaning in medical, laboratory, cleanroom, and cannabis facilities. This guide helps you compare types of swabs and choose the best one for your use case.
Quick Comparison Table
| Swab Type | Best Use Case | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | General medical use | Soft, absorbent, low cost |
| Flocked | PCR & DNA sampling | Superior sample release, sterile |
| Foam | Surface sampling | Durable, lint-free, non-absorbent |
| Rayon | Wound care | Smooth, non-adhesive to wounds |
| Polyester | Cleanroom, diagnostics | Chemically resistant, low lint |
| Calcium Alginate | Nasal/throat culture | Dissolvable, biocompatible |
A Brief History of Swabs
The medical swab was first developed in 1893 by William Councilman. Today’s swabs have evolved to meet modern clinical standards — offering sterile packaging, specific tip designs, and FDA/CE certifications.
Types of Medical Swabs
Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs are ideal for general wound care, cleaning, and specimen collection. They're soft, absorbent, and widely used in outpatient and emergency care.
- Best For: Wound cleaning, general use, sample collection
- Avoid If: You need low-lint or non-absorbent tips
- Expert Tip: Use sterile cotton swabs for any invasive procedure or lab work.
Bulk Cotton Swabs, 6" Wood Shaft (10,000/case)
High-absorbency cotton tips on sturdy wood shafts. Ideal for clinics, labs, and cleanroom use. Bulk discounts available.
Shop NowFlocked Swabs
Flocked swabs are used in PCR testing and diagnostics. Their fiber structure allows for efficient sample uptake and release.
- Best For: Viral testing, DNA/RNA collection, PCR
- Expert Tip: Choose sterile, FDA-approved swabs for accurate diagnostics.
Shop Flocked Swabs | Explore Puritan 25-3318-U-BT
Foam Swabs
Foam swabs are perfect for cleaning and industrial use. They’re non-abrasive and do not shed particles.
Rayon Swabs
Rayon swabs are smooth and non-adhesive, ideal for specimen collection or wound cleaning.
Polyester Swabs
Polyester swabs are durable and resistant to chemical solvents. Ideal for cleanroom and lab use.
Calcium Alginate Swabs
These swabs dissolve in processing fluid and are biocompatible for nasal/throat collection.
Browse AllSwabs’ Medical Swab Collection — fast U.S. shipping and expert support.
FAQs
What’s the best swab for PCR testing?
Flocked swabs like the Puritan 25-3318-U-BT provide optimal sample release and sterility.
Are cotton swabs sterile?
Not all are. For medical use, shop sterile cotton swabs specifically labeled for clinical settings.
What’s the difference between flocked and foam swabs?
Flocked swabs are ideal for biological sampling. Foam swabs are better for cleaning and surface sampling.
Can rayon swabs be used for wound cleaning?
Yes — they’re soft and non-adherent, perfect for wound care.
Do AllSwabs’ products meet clinical standards?
Many swabs on AllSwabs.com are FDA-registered and CE-certified for professional medical use.
Trusted by clinics, labs, and growers across North America.