The usage methods of sponge swabs

The usage methods of sponge swabs vary depending on the parts and types of samples to be collected. The following are common usage methods:

I. Medical Sample Collection

1. Nasal Sample Collection
   • Preparation:
     • The operator should wear sterile gloves and prepare sterile packages containing sponge swabs, sample – preserving liquid tubes, etc. Ensure that the sponge swabs remain sterile before use.
   • Collection Steps:
     • Have the person being sampled tilt their head back slightly and sit or lie down comfortably.
     • Take out the sponge swab and gently insert it along the bottom of the nasal cavity. The depth should be about 2 – 3 cm (for adults), and the depth should be appropriately reduced for children.
     • Then, rotate the sponge swab 3 – 5 times inside the nasal cavity to ensure that the sponge fully contacts the nasal mucosa and collects enough cell and secretion samples. The rotation should be gentle to avoid damaging the nasal mucosa.
     • After collection, slowly remove the sponge swab from the nasal cavity.
   • Sample Processing:
     • Immediately place the sponge swab with the collected sample into a tube containing sample – preserving liquid, ensuring that the swab head is completely submerged in the liquid. Break the swab shaft (if there is a break – off design), close the tube cap, and gently shake the tube to fully release the sample into the preserving liquid for subsequent testing.
2. Throat Sample Collection
   • Preparation:
     • Similar to nasal sample collection, the operator needs to protect themselves and prepare relevant collection tools.
   • Collection Steps:
     • Have the person being sampled open their mouth wide and say “ah” to fully expose the throat area.
     • Take out the sponge swab and carefully extend it to the throat area, focusing on wiping the tonsils and the back of the pharynx.
     • Gently rotate the sponge swab 3 – 5 times in the throat to collect enough samples. During the operation, be careful to avoid causing the person being sampled to have a nausea reflex. If the person has a strong nausea reaction, pause the operation until it subsides slightly and then continue.
     • After collection, slowly remove the sponge swab.
   • Sample Processing:
     • The processing method is the same as that after nasal sample collection. Place the sponge swab into the sample – preserving liquid tube to release the sample into the liquid for subsequent testing and analysis.

II. Environmental Sample Collection

1. Microorganism Collection from Object Surfaces
   • Preparation:
     • Prepare sponge swabs, sterile normal saline (if the swabs need to be moistened), sterile sampling tubes, etc.
   • Collection Steps:
     • If necessary, moisten the head of the sponge swab with sterile normal saline.
     • Wipe the surface of the object to be tested (such as desktop, instrument surface, door handle, etc.) with the sponge swab. The wiping area is usually determined according to testing requirements, typically 10 cm × 10 cm or other specified sizes. When wiping, a cross – pattern (horizontal and vertical) can be used to ensure that the swab fully contacts the object surface.
     • For some irregular surfaces, the wiping method can be adjusted according to the actual situation to collect samples as comprehensively as possible.
   • Sample Processing:
     • Place the sponge swab with the collected sample into a sterile sampling tube and process the sample according to the corresponding testing method. If testing for microorganisms, the swab may need to be placed in a culture medium for culturing and other operations; if testing for other substances, extraction, dilution, and other processing may be required.

III. Precautions

1. Prevent Contamination
   • Throughout the collection process, ensure that the sponge swab is not contaminated by other irrelevant substances. Do not touch the head of the sponge swab with hands, and follow the principle of sterile operation when opening sterile packages and during operation.
2. Correct Operation
   • Strictly follow the operating specifications according to different collection parts and sample types. The operation should be gentle to avoid damaging the sampled parts, while also ensuring that enough and valid samples can be collected.
3. Timely Sample Processing
   • After collecting the sample, place the sponge swab into an appropriate preserving liquid or sampling tube for processing as soon as possible to avoid sample drying, deterioration, or contamination, which may affect the accuracy of the test results.