Nasopharyngeal Flocked Swabs

One of the most widely used methods for detection of H1N1 flu virus is to collect a nasopharyngeal swab sample. The CDC recommends the use of synthetic tip swabs, such as Flocked Swabs, which exhibit a superior recovery of viruses. Several independent scientific studies published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and presented at Clinical Virology Symposium show that the quality of the sample taken using Flocked Swabs is comparable to the quality of a sample collected from a nasopharyngeal aspirate or nasal was, which are considered the gold standard for upper respiratory virus samples. The open structure of Flocked Swabs acts like a soft brush that efficiently dislodges and collects cells and mucus, then releases the sample immediately when put in a viral transport medium. In Ontario, the Agency for Health Protection and Promotion also lists Flocked Swabs as the preferred type of swab for respiratory virus sample collection on its latest version of LABstract on H1N1 Flu Virus (human swine influenza), Updated Guidance for Laboratory Testing, Hospital Setting.

Flocked Swabs are easy to use, are less invasive and cause minimal discomfort for the patient.