Swabs are small, absorbent tools used for cleaning or collecting samples. They typically consist of a stick with a soft tip made from cotton or synthetic materials. Swabs are commonly used in medical settings to gather samples for testing, such as COVID-19 tests or strep throat cultures. In addition to medical uses, swabs are also employed in various industries for cleaning surfaces or applying substances like makeup or adhesives. Their versatility makes them useful in both professional and personal settings, ensuring hygiene and accuracy in sample collection or application tasks.