Swabs are used for medical procedures, such as taking samples or applying medication. They come in various designs and can be customized for specific purposes. Some are available in drug stores, while others are individually packaged and sterile. Tampons can also be used for tissue manipulation during examinations. The materials used are usually hypoallergenic, but patients with allergies should discuss with their doctor before using medicated swabs.
A tampon is a stick with a piece of foam, cotton, or similar material fitted to one end. Swabs are useful for a variety of medical procedures such as taking samples for culture or applying medication to mucous membranes. Numerous manufacturers produce a range of designs for medical use, and doctors can order swabs customized for particular purposes. Some products are readily available in drug stores; many homes, for example, have a small box of loose cotton swabs for cleaning the ears.
Some swabs come in a loose package and are not sterile, although they are clean. It is also possible to purchase individually packaged products sealed in plastic. These are useful for taking samples, as the doctor does not want to use a contaminated instrument for this purpose. Your doctor may open the package and swipe the swab along an area of interest, such as the inner cheek for a DNA sample or the surface of a skin infection for a microbial culture. The sample returns to a sealed container for analysis in the laboratory.
Medicated swabs are also available. Patients can use a clean cotton swab for a task such as applying a medicated cream, or they can purchase a specially made swab. It usually has a breakable rod inside that the patient snaps to deliver a dose of the drug into the tip. It can be applied topically to treat infection, inflammation, or other problems. Some pharmacies carry topical swabs for cold sores and minor cuts and scrapes, and others are available by prescription only.
Another use for a tampon can be the gentle manipulation of tissue so that a doctor can examine it. The hands may be large enough to obscure what the doctor is trying to see, and may use the instrument to gently push or lift tissue without directly touching it. In cases where the clinician needs both hands free, an assistant can handle the swab as directed. Larger absorbent pads are available to clean up fluids during medical procedures such as puncturing an abscess.
The material used in the construction of the tampon is usually hypoallergenic, and patients should not experience contact dermatitis when a physician uses a tampon. With medicated tampons there may be a risk of reacting to the drug. Patients with a history of allergies should discuss them with a doctor or pharmacist before accepting a prescription. Your doctor can determine if the drug is safe and prescribe an alternative if it seems necessary.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
