ESwab® FAQ

• ESwab® is a liquid-based multipurpose collection and transport system for Microbiology. ESwab® combines a COPAN-invented flocked swab with 1mL of Liquid Amies in a plastic, screw cap tube. The innovative system elutes over 90% of patient specimen into the liquid medium. The result is evidence-based, improved pathogen recovery, expanded testing capabilities, and better patient care.

• The FDA cleared collection and transport system is suitable for aerobic, anaerobic and fastidious bacteria maintaining viability for up to 48 hours at room or refrigerator temperature (Neisseria gonorrhoeae survival at 24 hours per CLSI standard).

Elute! The flocked swab allows for fast and complete elution of samples.

ESwab® has been tested and validated in full compliance with CLSI M40-A2: Quality Control of Microbiological Transport System Standard. The FDA cleared collection and transport system is suitable for aerobic, anaerobic and fastidious bacteria maintaining viability for up to 48 hours at room or refrigerator temperature (Neisseria gonorrhoeae survival at 24 hours per CLSI standard).

ESwab® is a versatile collection and transport system, which can be used for traditional culture for aerobes, anaerobes, and fastidious bacteria. Independent studies have shown ESwab® is successfully used for the recovery of mycobacteria, fungi, and trichomonas. Studies are available upon request. Additionally, ESwab® can be used for Gram stains, automation, rapid antigen testing*, and molecular assays*.

_{*Always read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instructions regarding specimen collection and transport for the type of test kit being used.}

Yes! Because ESwab® provides 1mL of homogenous liquid sample, it provides up to 10 aliquots of identical sample to perform multiple tests.

Yes! ESwab® creates more consistent Gram stains since it provides a more homogenous suspension than standard swabs. ESwab® should be vortexed for 5 seconds, then using a sterile pipet, transfer 30 µL (1-2 drops) of the sample. Methanol fixation is recommended.

Always consult manuals, product inserts, and instructions for use for the appropriate use of all products. ESwab® has been increasingly qualified by leading assay manufacturers for use with their molecular and rapid antigen tests. ESwab® has been used successfully for rapid antigen testing and for molecular-based assays with self-verification. To learn more about ESwab® versatile use, visit the scientific studies section of this website.

• At the point of care, the ESwab® cap is unscrewed and removed. After the sample is collected from the patient, the swab is inserted to the bottom of the ESwab® tube and the swab shaft is broken at the marked, molded breakpoint. The cap is screwed back onto the tube. The sample is labeled and sent to the lab.

• The capture cap feature allows the operator to conveniently remove the swab and perform various microbiology analyses using the cap as a handle to hold and manipulate the swab.

• ESwab® is sterilized using gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation—like microwaves and x-rays, but with higher energy. It is a commonly used method for sterilizing medical devices. During the sterilization process, gamma rays pass through the product and kill any microorganisms by destroying bacterial and viral DNA. The treatment does not leave behind any form of residue in the product. As well as medical products, gamma irradiation is also used to sterilize food, dental, and household products. The FDA, CDC, WHO, and USDA have all evaluated and endorsed irradiated food and other products’ safety for many years.

• In addition to state and federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) supervision, the manufacture and gamma sterilization of medical devices, like ESwab®, are tightly regulated by the FDA. Therefore, gamma irradiation processing is performed with appropriate validation and quality assurance controls and documents to assure effective and safe processing.

In the United States, Copan does not sell sample collection products directly to clinical laboratories. Our products are available through our distribution partners.