Swabs and Cotton Wool

A swab is a small piece of cotton wool used by a doctor or nurse for medically cleaning a wound or putting a substance on. It is also used for scientific experiments as they are rubbed onto or into the infected area, then wiped across the culture medium, such as an agar plate, where bacteria from the swab may grow. They are also used to take DNA samples, apply medicines to a targeted area, remove substances from a targeted area, apply cleaning substances or used as an applicator for various cosmetics, ointments, and other substances.