Sample swabs 

Sample swabs have a variety of specific applications in medical testing. The following is a detailed introduction:

Infectious disease detection

• Virus detection
  • COVID-19 virus detection: In the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, throat swabs and nasal swabs are the most commonly used methods of sample collection. By collecting secretions from the throat or nasal cavity, it is tested whether the nucleic acid of the COVID-19 virus is contained in it to determine whether the person being tested is infected with the virus. This method is fast and simple, and can quickly identify infected individuals in large-scale screenings, playing a key role in the prevention and control of the epidemic.
  • Influenza virus detection: Similarly, respiratory sample swabs can also be used to detect the nucleic acid or antigen of the influenza virus to help doctors quickly diagnose whether a patient is infected with the influenza virus, so as to take isolation and treatment measures in time to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Bacteria detection
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae detection: For patients suspected of having pneumonia, doctors can use throat swabs or sputum swabs to collect samples to detect whether there are pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. This helps to determine the pathogen, select the appropriate antibiotic for treatment, and improve the treatment effect.
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection: Using sputum swabs for smear and culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important method for diagnosing tuberculosis. By observing the smear under a microscope or culturing the Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the sputum, it can be clearly diagnosed whether tuberculosis is present, and a personalized treatment plan can be formulated for the patient.

Microbial detection

• Oral microbial detection: It can understand the distribution and types of flora in the oral cavity, helping to diagnose oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontitis. Doctors use oral swabs to collect samples on the surface of teeth, at the edge of gums, etc., and then perform microbial culture and analysis to determine the types and quantities of harmful bacteria, guiding clinical treatment.
• Reproductive tract microbial detection: It is of great significance for the diagnosis of gynecological diseases or sexually transmitted diseases. For example, by collecting vaginal swabs or cervical swabs, it is detected whether there is a balance of vaginal flora and whether there are pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, providing a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Genetic detection

• Prenatal genetic detection: In prenatal diagnosis, villus sampling swabs and amniotic fluid swabs are commonly used methods of sample collection. By collecting villus or amniotic fluid samples from the fetus, it is detected whether the fetus’s chromosomes are abnormal, such as Down syndrome, etc., to help pregnant women and doctors make reasonable decisions and ensure the health of the fetus.
• Tumor gene detection: For cancer patients, sample swabs can collect cells in tumor tissue or peripheral blood to detect the mutation of tumor-related genes, providing important information for the diagnosis, classification, treatment plan selection, and prognosis assessment of tumors. For example, by detecting the EGFR gene mutation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the use of targeted drugs is guided.

Other detections

• Allergen detection: By collecting nasal or skin swab samples, it is detected whether there are allergen-specific IgE antibodies in it to help determine the allergens of the patient, providing a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. For example, for patients with allergic rhinitis, understanding which allergens they are allergic to helps to take targeted treatment and prevention measures.
• Drug concentration monitoring: In some special cases, such as when using certain antiepileptic drugs or immunosuppressants, it is necessary to monitor the concentration of the drug in the body. Sample swabs can collect oral mucosal cells or blood samples, and by detecting the drug concentration in it, the dose of the drug is adjusted to ensure the treatment effect and safety.

Sample swabs have a wide range of applications in medical testing, providing important support and basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. With the continuous development of technology, the application scope of sample swabs will continue to expand.