Per the manufacturer, COPAN Diagnostics, “ESwab is a liquid based multipurpose collection and transport system that maintains the viability of aerobic, anaerobic and fastidious bacteria for up to 48 hours. The ESwab system collects and releases more specimen, significantly improving patient test results and decreasing the need for repeat testing due to insufficient sample.

ESwab replaced multiple transport devices with just one system, eliminating the need to stock multiple types of swabs.”

ESwab Collection Instructions:

  1. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves if necessary.

  2. Positively identify the patient using at least two patient identifiers. (i.e. Name, DOB, etc.)

  3. Open the ESwab peel pouch and remove the swab.

  4. Collect the patient sample using the swab. (Note: Touching the swab applicator below the pink breakpoint should be avoided as it could lead to contamination and incorrect results.)

  5. Remove the screw cap from the ESwab tube and insert the swab all the way to the bottom of the tube.

  6. While holding the tube away from your face, hold the end of the swab shaft and bend it at a 180-degree angle to break it at the marked breakpoint.

  7. Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leakage.

  8. Dispose of the swab shaft in a regular trash can.

  9. Apply the patient information label to the tube. (Do not cover the tube’s lot number or expiration date.)

  10. Place the tube in a biohazard transport bag.

  11. Remove gloves if necessary and perform hand hygiene.

Cautionary Notes per the manufacturer:

Do not send a dry ESwab as this will lead to unsatisfactory results.

If the tube spills its contents prior to inserting the swab, the liquid is non-toxic. Put the swab in another tube before sending it to the laboratory and discard the spilled tube.

If the tube spills after contamination from inserting the swab, follow your facilities instructions for blood and body fluid clean up. Refer to your facility’s infection control manual for further instruction.

If contaminated fluid splashes onto the personnel collecting the sample, treat it as a blood and body fluid exposure. Refer to your facility’s infection control manual for further instruction.

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