A swab is a small piece of absorbent material, often attached to a stick, used for cleaning or collecting samples. Commonly made of cotton or synthetic fibers, swabs are frequently used in medical settings to gather specimens for testing, such as in COVID-19 tests or strep throat screenings. In addition to medical uses, swabs are also utilized in various applications, including cosmetic routines for applying or removing makeup, and in laboratories for cleaning surfaces or equipment. Their versatility makes them an essential tool in both healthcare and everyday life.