IPA swabs usually refer to cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol (abbreviated as IPA), and their specific applications are quite extensive. The following are some of the main aspects:

Skin Cleaning and Disinfection
Before medical procedures such as injections, blood collection, and surgeries, IPA swabs are used to wipe and disinfect the skin surface. This can effectively kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on the skin surface, reducing the risk of infection. For example, when vaccinating, medical staff will first wipe the vaccination site with an IPA swab.
Wound Cleaning
For some superficial wounds, IPA swabs can be used to clean the dirt and secretions around the wound, keeping the wound clean and creating a favorable environment for wound healing. However, due to the certain irritation of IPA, it is generally not used to directly wipe the inside of the wound.
Medical Equipment Cleaning
It can be used to wipe the surfaces of medical equipment such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and bedside handrails, removing stains and bacteria on the equipment surface to prevent cross – infection. For some small medical devices like thermometers, IPA swabs can also be used for wiping and disinfection.

Cleaning of Electronic components
During the production, maintenance, and repair of electronic devices, IPA swabs can be used to clean the dust, oil stains, fingerprints, and other contaminants on the surfaces of electronic components. For example, during the production of computer motherboards, mobile phone circuit boards, etc., workers will use IPA swabs to wipe components such as chips and solder joints to ensure the performance and stability of the electronic components.
Screen Cleaning
For the screens of electronic devices such as computer monitors, mobile phone screens, and tablet computer screens, IPA swabs can gently remove stains and fingerprints on the screen surface without causing damage to the screen. When wiping, pay attention to applying moderate force to avoid scratching the screen.

Cleaning of glassware
In laboratories of chemistry, biology, etc., IPA swabs are often used to clean glassware such as test tubes, beakers, and measuring cylinders. It can effectively remove residual reagents, oil stains, etc. on the inner walls of glassware, keeping the glassware clean and facilitating subsequent experimental use.
Treatment of experimental samples
In some experimental operations, the surfaces of samples need to be cleaned or pre – treated. For example, before observing or conducting experiments on plant leaves, insect specimens, etc., IPA swabs can be used to gently wipe the surface to remove dust and impurities, enabling more accurate experimental results.

Ear Cleaning
IPA swabs can be used to gently wipe the outer part of the ear canal, removing earwax and moisture, keeping the ears clean and dry. However, be careful not to insert it deep into the ear canal to avoid damaging the ear canal or eardrum.
Nail Care
After trimming nails, use IPA swabs to wipe the nail surface and the nail groove area. This can remove dead skin and dirt around the nails and also has a certain disinfection effect, preventing nail diseases such as paronychia.