What it means
A swab is used to collect a specimen from the nose, throat, a wound or another site for testing, such as a culture or a test for a virus. Swabs are also used to clean the skin or a port before a needle is put in, and to apply medicine. To swab, as a verb, means to wipe with one.
For the nurse
Use the right swab and transport tube for the test ordered, collect from the correct site without touching anything else, and label the sample in front of the client.
At a glance
| Spanish | hisopo |
|---|---|
| Also written | swabs, swabbed |
Related terms
specimen
A sample of blood, urine, stool, tissue or other body material collected for testing.
culture and sensitivity
A lab test that grows the germs from a sample to identify them and see which antibiotics work against them.
gauze
A thin, loosely woven fabric, usually cotton, used to make dressings, pads and wraps for wounds.