Flocked Sampling Swabs vs Traditional Cotton Swabs

We all know about cotton swabs, but maybe not about flocked sampling swabs. This article will discuss with you what flocking swabs are and the advantages of flocking swabs over cotton swabs.


1. What is the flocking swab?


Flocking refers to the process of applying multiple lengths of fibers to an adherent coated surface; if the tip of the swab is flocked, it is a flocked swab.
It is a disposable sampling swab composed of nylon short fiber fluff head and ABS plastic rod. For oral nasopharyngeal, sampling, cervicovaginal sampling, laboratory testing, etc.






Second, the advantages of flocking swabs


1. Sampling is more comfortable and easy to use.


Our company utilizes the existing technology 'spraying technology' to vertically attach millions of nylon microfibers to the medical grade handle head through the flocking process of electrostatic charge. The vertical nylon fibers act like a soft brush, which allows the user to feel free from foreign objects during sampling. At the same time, the flocking swabs used in different parts have different breaking points, and the rods use different thicknesses to make the softness different.


For example, a nasal swab has a thinner and softer upper end of the rod, and a longer breaking point.


2. The flocked swab samples release a larger amount.
Capillary action between nylon fiber bundles promotes strong hydraulic absorption of liquid samples. The sample remains on the surface, making elution easier. With traditional cotton swabs, most of the collected samples are still captured in the fibrous matrix of the head, which is not easily released or released in small amounts. Flocked swabs have been shown to release up to 95% of the sample, compared to 25% from standard fiber-tipped swabs. The use of flocked swabs is especially important if the sample size is particularly small.




3. Flocked swabs are biocompatible and ideal for PCR work.


To limit damage to the sample and improve the accuracy of detection, the swabs are made from completely inert components. This makes flocked swabs ideal for PCR work. Therefore, for scientists using PCR technology, the new flocked swabs are PCR compatible and free of RNase and DNase.