How to Choose the Right Type of Flu Swab for Influenza Diagnosis



To the average patient, a flu test may seem simple. Stick a long swab up someone's nose and test the swab for the virus. Easy, right?

At Puritan they know differently. 

Diagnosing the flu is a process, and like any other scientific process, it requires specific tools, the first of which is a specimen collection swab. But which type of swab is the best tool for the job? 

What are the best swabs for flu testing?  Flocked Swabs

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) recommends flocked swabs as the preferred specimen collection device for flu testing. In fact, flocked swabs have been hailed by the microbiology and diagnostic communities for their ability to absorb and elute more specimen than traditional spun fiber or foam swabs.


How does the flocked swab work?

At the microscopic level, the synthetic tip of a flocked swab is brush-like, and has more surface area than cotton and is, therefore, able to collect and elute more material. The brush-like tip of the flocked swab also provides for better specimen collection and release during testing.

Many physicians also find specimen collection with flocked swabs easier and less likely to cause patient discomfort than with other swab types.

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