Swab stick device with applicator and ergonomic handle and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A device may include an applicator constructed of a polyurethane, polyether, or a heat resistant foam. A device may include a handle constructed of a Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polycarbonate (PC) or heat resistant plastic, wherein the applicator is impregnated with a contact solution; and wherein the handle is formed as a non-cylindrical shape.

Description

SWAB STICK DEVICE WITH APPLICATOR AND ERGONOMIC HANDLE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 442,078, filed on January 30, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to swab stick device, more particularly to swab stick device suited for medicinal use and having an applicating end of absorbent material. Additionally, in some aspects of the disclosure the absorbent material being impregnated with a contact solution. Further, in some aspects of the present disclosure the swab stick device includes an ergonomic handle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Swabs articles having an elongated round handle and an absorbent covering on the tips are well known. Cotton is generally used as the absorbent covering. Handles are constituted of wood, rolled paper or plastic and formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0004] Most often the swabs are used for personal hygiene. They are particularly functional for cleaning the outer surfaces of the ear and even for applying cosmetics to the face and other parts of the body. Further, specifically the handle is a round smooth uniform shape thereby allowing a user to rolls the swabs within two fingers.

[0005] Additionally, airborne bacteria are especially prevalent in bathrooms and medical offices / hospitals. Coincidentally swabs are usually housed and employed in these areas. Thus the risks of swabs becoming contaminated is greatly increased.

[0006] There is thus a need in the art for providing a sealed, ergonomic swab stick compatible with typical pharmaceutical sterilization processes. More specifically, the need for a swab stick handle that is ergonomic to prevent rolling in the hand of a practitioner and thereby aiding in consistency for the drug solution application. Further, the need for a swab stick applicator that is compatible with antiseptic solutions and also absorbs and releases a sufficient volume of solution to have clinical efficacy.SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a swab stick including: an applicator comprising one or more of a polyurethane, polyether, and a heat resistant foam; and a handle comprising one or more of a polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC) and heat resistant plastic; wherein the applicator is impregnated with a contact solution; and wherein the handle is formed as a non- cylindrical shape.

[0009] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects of the disclosure comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects can be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The novel features believed to be characteristic of aspects described herein are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and / or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that can be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0017] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0018] Several aspects of certain systems will now be presented with reference to various example systems and methods.

[0019] According to some aspects, the swab stick applicator may be impregnated with a contact solution. In some aspects of the disclosure the contact solution may be a United States of America (USA) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and / or European Medicines Agency (EMA) antiseptic approved solution. As used herein, an “antiseptic solution” refers to a solution comprising at least a solvent and one or more antiseptic agents. According to some aspects, the antiseptic solution comprises an aqueous solution. As used herein, the term “aqueous solution” refers to a solution wherein the solvent comprises at least a majority of water. It should be understood that in some examples, the solvent may comprise or consist of water. According to some aspects, the antisepticsolution comprises an alcoholic solution. As used herein, the term “alcoholic solution” refers to a solution wherein the solvent comprises at least a majority of alcohol. It should be understood that in some examples, the solvent may comprise or consist of one or more alcohols. Non-limiting examples of alcohols include, but are not limited to, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In one non-limiting example, the antiseptic agent may comprise a cationic molecule (ie., a molecule having a positive charge), such as a cationic surfactant or a cationic biguanide derivative (z.e., a compound derived from biguanide). According to some aspects, the antiseptic agent may comprise a bis-(dihydropyridinyl)-decane derivative (z.e., a compound derived from bis-(dihydropyridinyl)-decane). According to some aspects, the antiseptic agent may comprise alexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, etc.), chlorhexidine and other diguanide compounds and associated salts (chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate), antibacterial dye (proflavine hemisulphate, crystal violet, etc.), halogenated phenol derivate (chlorocresol, chloroxylenol, etc.), and quinolone derivatives (hydroxyquinoline sulphate, chlorquinaldol, etc.) or a combination thereof.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the antiseptic agent may comprise iodine. According to some aspects, the iodine may be provided as an iodine complex, such as povidone- iodine (PVPI), nonylphenoxy-(ethyleneoxy)-iodine, polyethylene oxy polyprop leneoxy- iodine, undecoylinium-chloride-iodine, iodine povacrylex, and combinations thereof.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the antiseptic agent may comprise an oxidant (z.e., an oxidizing agent). Non-limiting examples of oxidants according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and combinations thereof.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the antiseptic agent may comprise antibiotics. According to some aspects, the antibiotics may be bacitracin, vancomycin, gentamycin, ancef, clindamycin and polymixin, and combinations thereof.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the antiseptic agent may comprise Bactisure and XPerience. According to some aspects, the Bactisure and XPerience may be (1) sodium citrate (~30 g / L), citric acid (~32 g / L) and sodium lauryl sulfate (~lg / L), and (2) sodium acetate (~30 g / L), acetic acid (~50 g / L) and benzalkonium chloride (~1 g / L) and ethanol (-100 g / L), and (3) combinations thereof.

[0025] The antiseptic agent may have an antimicrobial activity sufficient to provide an acceptable log reduction of microbes in a certain time period. It should be understood that as used herein, the term “microbes” may refer to any microorganism to be killed and / or removed as a result of lavage. Example microbes include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0026] Example bacteria include drug-resistant and drug-sensitive, but are not limited to, Streptococcus spp. (e.g., S. mutans, S. pyogenes, S. salivarius, S. sanguis), Staphylococcus spp. (e.g., S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, S. simulans, S. saprophyticus), Enterococcus spp. (e.g., E. faecalis E. faecium, and E. hirae), Bacteroides fragilis, Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionib acterium acnes), Clostridium difficile (spore and vegetative cells), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp. (e.g., K. aerogenes, K. pneumoniae), Acinetobacter baumannii,. Micrococus luteus, Haemophilus influenza, and Serratia marcescens.

[0027] Example fungi include drug-resistant and drug-sensitive, but are not limited to, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. aurus, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guillermondii, C. kefyr (formerly C. pseudotropicalis), C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis), Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum spp (e.g., M. gypseum, M. canis), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

[0028] Example viruses include, but are not limited to, DNA and RNA genomes that are single stranded or double stranded, have sense or antisense orientation, protein coat (capsid) with or without a lipid envelope, such as, cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, norovirus, and coronavirus.

[0029] Example bacteria include, but are not limited to, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, Streptococcus mutans, S. pyogenes (group A P-hemolytic streptococci), S. salivarius, S. sanguis, Staphylococcus aureus S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, S. simulans, S. saprophyticus, methicillin / oxacillin-resistant (MRSA / ORSA) and methicillin / oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococci (MSSA / OSSA), Enterococcus (e.g., E. faecalis E. faecium, and E. hirae), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus (VSE), Bacteroides fragilis, Propionib acterium acnes, Propionibacterium, Clostridium difficile (spore and vegetative cells), Selenomonas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderiacepacia, Proteus mirabilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Klebsiella aerogenes, K. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae multidrug resistant (MDR), Acinetobacter baumannii, A. baumannii MDR, Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Micrococus luteus, Ralstonia pickettii, Haemophilus influenza, and Serratia marcescens.

[0030] Example fungi include, but are not limited to, aspergillus, Candida, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, C. aurus, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata), C. guillermondii, C. kefyr (formerly C. pseudotropicalis), C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum, M. canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

[0031] Example viruses include, but are not limited to, those having a lipid component in their outer coat or have an outer envelope such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, variola virus (smallpox virus), vaccinia, norovirus, and coronavirus.

[0032] According to some aspects, the certain time period may be a period of no more than about five minutes, optionally no more than about four minutes, optionally no more than about three minutes, optionally no more than about two minutes, and optionally no more than about one minute.

[0033] According to some aspects, the certain time period may be no more than about 120 seconds, optionally no more than about 105 seconds, optionally no more than about 90 second, optionally no more than about 75 seconds, optionally no more than about 60 seconds, optionally no more than about 45 seconds, optionally no more than about 30 seconds, and optionally no more than about 15 seconds.

[0034] It should be understood that “an acceptable log reduction” may be microbedependent. For example, an acceptable log reduction as described herein may refer to an acceptable log reduction of one type of microbe present on a surface (e.g., present in a body cavity or at an external wound site), a combination of two more types of microbes present on a surface, or total microbes present on a surface.

[0035] According to some aspects, an acceptable log reduction may be at least about 1.0, optionally at least about 1.1, optionally at least about 1.2, optionally at least about 1.3, optionally at least about 1.4, optionally at least about 1.5, optionally at least about 1.6, optionally at least about 1.7, optionally at least about 1.8, optionally at least about 1.9, optionally at least about 2.0, optionally at least about 2.1, optionally at least about 2.2,optionally at least about 2.3, optionally at least about 2.4, optionally at least about 2.5, optionally at least about 2.6, optionally at least about 2.7, optionally at least about 2.8, optionally at least about 2.9, optionally at least about 3.0, optionally at least about 3.1, optionally at least about 3.2, optionally at least about 3.3, optionally at least about 3.4, optionally at least about 3.5, optionally at least about 3.6, optionally at least about 3.7, optionally at least about 3.8, optionally at least about 3.9, optionally at least about 4.0, optionally at least about 4.1, optionally at least about 4.2, optionally at least about 4.3, optionally at least about 4.4, optionally at least about 4.5, optionally at least about 4.6, optionally at least about 4.7, optionally at least about 4.8, optionally at least about 4.9, and optionally at least about 5.0.

[0036] According to some aspects, the antiseptic agent may be present in the antiseptic solution in a concentration sufficient to provide an acceptable log reduction of microbes in a certain time period as described herein. According to some aspects, the antiseptic agent may be present in the antiseptic solution at a concentration of between about 0.001 and 5% w / v, optionally between about 0.001 and 2.5% w / v, optionally between about 0.001 and 1% w / v, optionally between about 0.001 and 0.1% w / v, optionally between about 0.001 and 0.01% w / v, optionally between about 0.01 and 5% w / v, optionally between about 0.01 and 2.5% w / v, optionally between about 0.01 and 2% w / v, optionally between about 0.01 and 1.5% w / v, optionally between about 0.01 and 1% w / v, and optionally about 0.5% w / v.

[0037] According to some aspects, the antiseptic agent may be present in the antiseptic solution at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 0.9% w / v, optionally between about 0.2 and 0.8% w / v, optionally between about 0.3 and 0.7% w / v, and optionally between about 0.4 and 0.6% w / v.

[0038] According to some aspects, the antiseptic agent may be present in the antiseptic solution at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 10% w / v, optionally between about 0.2 and 1% w / v, optionally between about 0.3 and 1% w / v, and optionally between about 0.4 and 1% w / v.

[0039] A particularly preferred antiseptic solution comprises about 2% w / v chlorhexidine salt, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, between 30 - 80 %v / v, and more specifically about 70% v / v isopropyl alcohol.

[0040] According to some aspects, the swab stick handle may be constructed using one or more of the following materials: polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyamide-imide any heat resistant plastic, or any combination thereof.

[0041] According to some aspects, the swab stick applicator, a portion of the overall swab stick, may be constructed using one or more of the following materials: polyurethane, polyether, any heat resistant foam, or any combination thereof.

[0042] According to some aspects, the swab stick applicator may be constructed of the following dimensions: 0.3” to 2” long, 0.2” to 1.5” wide and 0.05” to 1.5” deep. More specifically, 0.5” to 1.5” long, 0.3” to 0.8” wide and 0.1” to 0.8” deep.

[0043] According to some aspects, the swab stick handle may be constructed of the following dimensions: 2” to 7” long, 0.1” to 1” wide and 0.05” to 1” deep. More specifically, 3” to 5” long, 0.1” to 0.5” wide and 0.08” to 0.5” deep.

[0044] FIGs. 1-5 (as described below) together make up a preferred swab stick. The swab stick is rigid enough to support clinical applications and is compatible with contact solutions. The swab stick 100 may also be terminally sterilized prior to use through the following methods: moist heat sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation sterilization (such as gamma sterilization), e-beam sterilization, and / or water cascade or waterfall sterilization.

[0045] For example, moist heat sterilization may be performed in a pressurized chamber called an autoclave. The swab stick 100 may be placed inside the autoclave, which is then closed and turned on. The chamber is filled with pressurized steam at a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius / 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Further, for example, dry heat sterilization is accomplished by the conduction of heat. Heat is absorbed by the outside surface of the device and is transferred through the entire device till the target temperature is attained. Dry heat kills microorganism by oxidizing molecules. Further, for example, sterilization by ionizing radiation, primarily by cobalt 60 gamma rays or electron accelerators, is a low-temperature sterilization method. Further, for example, e-beam sterilization (electron beam sterilization) is a form of radiation sterilization that utilizes beta particles to inactivate microbes. Electron beam systems scan medical devices with focused electrons (beta particles) to sterilize them. E-beam delivers higher dosage rates with less penetration compared to gamma radiation. Further, for example, water cascade or waterfall sterilizers may be used for the sterilization of heat sensitive products and materials. The sterilizationprinciples are equal to a steam sterilizer / autoclave but at lower temperatures and therefore longer sterilization cycles.

[0046] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the swab stick 100 may be packaged before or after sterilization, depending upon the sterilization process described above, into a package containing a plurality of swab sticks, for example, 3 in a package. Although 3 swab sticks are referenced, any number may be packaged together. Further, additionally or alternatively, the swab stick or swab sticks may be provided in sterile packaging as known in the art.

[0047] Referring to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a swab stick 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the swab stick 100 may comprise a swab stick handle 102 and a swab stick applicator 104. The swab stick handle 102 may comprise an upper portion 106 and a lower portion 108. Further, the swab stick handle 102 may comprise a top portion 110 and a side portion 112. At one end of the lower portion 108 includes an end 114. The end 114, as shown in dashed lines is illustrated as a rounded shape. In one aspect of the disclosure the end 114 may be any shape required for an end, for example, rounded, square, open etc. The other end of the lower portion 108 connects to the upper portion 106. At one end of the elongated upper portion includes a second end (not shown) which is attached to swab stick applicator 104. The other end of the upper portion 106 connects to the lower portion 108. End 114 and the second end (not shown) may be flat or rounded to provide flexibility in the manufacturing process, thereby including processes such as molding or extrusion of the swab stick handle 102.

[0048] The break lines (broken lines) illustrated between the upper portion 106 and the lower portion 108 are merely shown to illustrate an indefinite length of the swab stick handle 102. Upper portion 106 and lower portion 108 may be provided as discrete portions that are connected via any known method, or they may be unitary. The swab stick length promotes application of the contact solution. For example, the length of the swab stick handle 102 provides the rigidity required for the suitable application to skin of a patient.

[0049] As described above, the swab stick handle 102 may be elongated and may be shaped in an ergonomic shape. In one aspect of the disclosure, the ergonomic shape may be a square, oval, any polygonal flat shape or any irregular shape. In another aspect of the disclosure, the swab stick handle 102 may include grooves (not illustrated). Preferably, the swab stick handle may have a plurality of flat surfaces forming a cross-sectionalregular or irregular polygonal shape, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon or decagon.

[0050] In some embodiments, the swab stick handle 102 including the ergonomic shape includes at least a side portion 112 and at least a top portion 110. In one aspect of the disclosure, the swab stick handle may have a plurality of side portions 112 and a plurality of top portions 110 based upon the ergonomic shape. The transition between the side portion 112 and the top portion 110 may be smooth or may be squared (for example, including a sharp edge). For example, the transitions of the swab stick handle 102 with the ergonomic shape allows for a non-cylindrical shape thereby preventing rolling in the hand of a practitioner. The lack of movement in the hand of the practitioner aids in consistency for application of the contact solution.

[0051] Further, the swab stick 100 includes swab stick applicator 104. The swab stick applicator 104 includes a tip 116 and a base 120. In one aspect of the disclosure, the tip 116 includes a rounded shape, as illustrated. In another aspect of the disclosure, the tip 116 may include any variety of shapes available for an applicator, for example, triangular or squared. In another aspect of the disclosure, the swab stick applicator may be irregularly shaped to be more conducive to the intended treatment site. The base 120 attaches, as described below, to the upper portion 106 of the swab stick handle 102. The swab stick applicator 104 also includes an applicator side portion 118 and an applicator top portion 122. In one aspect of the disclosure, the applicator top portion 122 includes a flat shape and the applicator side portion 118 includes a rounded shape. As described above with reference to the swab stick handle 102, the swab stick applicator 104 may have a plurality of applicator side portions 118 and a plurality of applicator top portions 122 based upon the shape. The transition between the applicator side portion 118 and the applicator top portion 122 may be smooth or may be squared (for example, including a sharp edge). One or more of the applicator top portion 122 and the applicator side portion 118 may have one or more indentations in the surface thereof, preferably one indentation substantially centered in the applicator top portion 122 and / or in the applicator side portion 118 (for example, as shown in Figure 4).

[0052] The swab stick applicator 104 may be affixed to the swab stick handle 102 via adhesive or co-molding. For example, cyanoacrylate adhesives may be used to affix swab stick applicator 104 to the swab stick handle 102. Other suitable adhesives are known in the art.

[0053] The shape of the applicator allows application of the contact solution to an area of the body of a patient and also absorbs and / or releases sufficient volume to support clinical efficacy in accordance with the FDA Final Monograph (United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule for Topical Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the- Counter Human Use; Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products (Vol. 82, No. 143; 10 Dec 2017; pp 60474 60503), incorporated by reference herein in its entity.

[0054] As described above, the swab stick applicator 104 may be constructed of foam and is compatible with aqueous or alcoholic antiseptic solutions, sterilization modality, and also absorbs and releases a sufficient volume of solution to have clinical efficacy. In one aspect of the disclosure, the swab stick applicator 104 may be impregnated with a contact solution, as described above.

[0055] As described above, FIGS. 2-5 provide additional views illustrating the preferred swab stick, as described with reference to FIG. 1. Further, as described above, the like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively, incremented by 100 based on the respective Figure. For example purposes only, some parts will be described below.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrates a side view of a swab stick 200. As described above, the swab stick 200 may comprise a swab stick handle 202 and a swab stick applicator 204. The swab stick handle 202 may comprise an upper portion 206 and a lower portion 208. Further, the swab stick handle 202 may comprise a top portion 210 and a side portion 212. At one end of the lower portion 208 includes an end 214.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrates a front view of a swab stick 300. As described above, the swab stick 300 may comprise a swab stick applicator 304. The swab stick applicator 304 also includes an applicator side portion 318, an applicator top portion 322, and a tip 316.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrates a rear view of a swab stick 300. As described above, the swab stick 400 may comprise a swab stick handle 402 and a swab stick applicator 404. The swab stick handle 402 may comprise end 414. The swab stick applicator 404 also includes an applicator side portion 418, an applicator top portion 422, and abase 420.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, illustrates a top view of a swab stick 500. As described above, the swab stick 500 may comprise a swab stick handle 502 and a swab stick applicator 504. The swab stick handle 502 may comprise an upper portion 506 and a lower portion508. Further, the swab stick handle 502 may comprise a top portion 510 and a side portion 512. At one end of the lower portion 508 includes an end 514.

[0060] It will be appreciated that various implementations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, can be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein can be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A swab stick device comprising: an applicator comprising a polyurethane, polyether, or a heat resistant foam; and a handle comprising one or more of a polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC) and heat resistant plastic; wherein the applicator is impregnated with a contact solution; and wherein the handle is formed as a non-cylindrical shape.

2. The swab stick device according to claim 1, wherein the handle dimensions are 2” to 7” long, 0.1” to 1” wide and 0.05” to 1” deep.

3. The swab stick device according to claim 2, wherein the handle dimensions are 3” to 5” long, 0.1” to 0.5” wide and 0.08” to 0.5” deep.

4. The swab stick device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator dimensions are 0.3” to 2” long, 0.2” to 1.5” wide and 0.05” to 1.5” deep.

5. The swab stick device according to claim 4, wherein the applicator dimensions are 0.5” to 1.5” long, 0.3” to 0.8” wide and 0.1” to 0.8” deep.

6. The swab stick device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a polyurethane and the handle comprises a solid polypropylene.

7. The swab stick device according to claim 1, wherein the contact solution comprises an alcoholic antiseptic solution.

8. The swab stick device according to claim 7, wherein the alcoholic antiseptic solution comprises a chlorhexidine gluconate and isopropyl alcohol solution.

9. The swab stick device according to claim 1, wherein the swab stick device is terminally sterilized by moist heat sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation sterilization or e-beam sterilization.

10. The swab stick device according to claim 9, wherein the serialization is moist heat sterilization.

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