Swab device with applicator and ergonomic handle and method of use thereof

Abstract

The device can include an application portion constructed of polyurethane, polyether, or heat-resistant foam. The device can include a handle constructed of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), or heat-resistant plastic, the application portion being impregnated with a contact solution, and the handle being formed as a non-cylindrical shape.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 442,078, filed January 30, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to swab devices, and more particularly, to swab devices suitable for medical use and having an application end made of absorbent material. Additionally, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the absorbent material is impregnated with a contact solution. Furthermore, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the swab device includes an ergonomic handle. [Background technology]

[0003] Cotton swabs are well known, having a thin, round handle and an absorbent material covering the tip, typically cotton. The handle is made of wood, paper, or plastic and is cylindrical in shape.

[0004] Cotton swabs are primarily used for personal hygiene, particularly for cleaning the outer surfaces of the ears and for applying cosmetics to the face and other parts of the body. Furthermore, their handles are typically round, smooth, and uniformly shaped, allowing the user to roll the swab between two fingers.

[0005] Additionally, airborne bacteria are particularly prevalent in bathrooms and clinics / hospitals, and at the same time, cotton swabs are typically stored and used in these areas, thus significantly increasing the risk of swabs becoming contaminated. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] U.S. 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, December 10, 2017, pp. 60474-60503 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a sealed, ergonomic swab that is compatible with common pharmaceutical sterilization processes. More specifically, there is a need for an ergonomic swab handle that prevents rolling in the practitioner's hand, thereby aiding in the stability of the application of the medicament solution. Furthermore, there is a need for an applicator portion of the swab that is compatible with antiseptic solutions and that absorbs and releases sufficient amounts of solution to be clinically effective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all aspects discussed, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects or to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a swab comprising an application portion comprising one or more of polyurethane, polyether, and heat-resistant foam, and a handle comprising one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and heat-resistant plastic, wherein the application portion is impregnated with a contact solution and the handle is formed as a non-cylindrical shape.

[0010] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects of the present 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 the various aspects may be employed, and the description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

[0011] The novel features believed characteristic of the aspects described herein are set forth in the appended claims. In the following description, like parts are respectively designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form for clarity and conciseness. However, the disclosure itself, as well as preferred modes of use, further objects and advances thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swab according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a swab according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a swab according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a rear view of a swab according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a top view of a swab according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following contains definitions of selected terms used herein. These definitions include various examples and / or forms of components that fall within the scope of the terms and may be used to implement them. These examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0014] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0015] Reference will now be made to various example systems and methods to present some aspects of particular systems.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the application portion of the swab can be impregnated with a contact solution. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact solution can be a disinfectant solution approved by the United States (USA) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and / or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). As used herein, "disinfectant solution" refers to a solution comprising at least a solvent and one or more disinfectants. According to some embodiments, the disinfectant solution comprises an aqueous solution. As used herein, the term "aqueous solution" refers to a solution in which the solvent comprises at least a majority of water. It should be understood that in some instances, the solvent comprises or consists of water. According to some embodiments, the disinfectant solution comprises an alcohol solution. As used herein, the term "alcohol solution" refers to a solution in which the solvent comprises at least a majority of alcohol. It should be understood that in some instances, the solvent comprises or consists of one or more alcohols. Non-limiting examples of alcohols include, but are not limited to, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In one non-limiting example, the disinfectant can include a cationic molecule (i.e., a molecule having a positive charge), such as a cationic surfactant or a cationic biguanide derivative (i.e., a compound derived from a biguanide). According to some embodiments, the disinfectant can include a bis(dihydropyridinyl)decane derivative (i.e., a compound derived from bis(dihydropyridinyl)decane). According to some embodiments, the disinfectant can include alexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, etc.), chlorhexidine and other diguanide compounds and related salts (chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate), antibacterial dyes (proflavin hemisulfate, crystal violet, etc.), halogenated phenol derivatives (chlorocresol, chloroxylenol, etc.), and quinolone derivatives (hydroxyquinoline sulfate, chlorquinaldol, etc.), or combinations thereof.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the antiseptic can include iodine. According to some embodiments, the iodine can be provided as an iodine complex, such as povidone-iodine (PVPI), nonylphenoxy(ethyleneoxy)iodine, polyethyleneoxypolypropyleneoxyiodine, undecoilium chloride iodine, iodine povacrilex, and combinations thereof.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the disinfectant may include an oxidant (i.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.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the antiseptic may include an antibiotic, which according to some embodiments may be bacitracin, vancomycin, gentamicin, ansef, clindamycin, and polymyxin, and combinations thereof.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the disinfectant can include Bactisure and XPerience. According to some embodiments, Bactisure and XPerience can be (1) sodium citrate (about 30 g / L), citric acid (about 32 g / L), and sodium lauryl sulfate (about 1 g / L), and (2) sodium acetate (about 30 g / L), acetic acid (about 50 g / L), benzalkonium chloride (about 1 g / L), and ethanol (about 100 g / L), and (3) combinations thereof.

[0022] A disinfectant can have sufficient antimicrobial activity to result in an acceptable log reduction of microorganisms within a period of time. As used herein, it should be understood that the term "microorganism" can refer to any microorganism that is killed and / or removed as a result of cleaning. Example microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0023] Example bacteria include, but are not limited to, drug-resistant and drug-susceptible bacteria, Streptococcus (e.g., S. mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus salivary, S. sanguis), Staphylococcus (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus pyogenes, S. hominis, S. simulans, Staphylococcus saprophyticus), Enterococcus (e.g., E. faecalis, E. faecium, and E. hirae), Bacteroides fragilis, Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), Clostridium difficile (spores and vegetative cells), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella (e.g., K. aerogenes, K. pneumoniae), Acinetobacter baumannii, Micrococcus luteus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Serratia marcescens.

[0024] Example fungi include drug-resistant and drug-susceptible fungi, but are not limited to Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida (C. albicans, C. auris, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. kephir (formerly C. pseudotropicalis), C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis), Epidermophytes, Microsporum (e.g., M. gypseum, M. canis), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

[0025] Example viruses include, but are not limited to, DNA and RNA genomes that are single- or double-stranded, in sense or antisense orientation, with a protein coat (capsid), and with or without a lipid envelope, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, norovirus, and coronavirus.

[0026] Example bacteria include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci), Streptococcus salivary, S. sanguis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. hemolyticus, S. hominis, S. simulans, S. saprophyticus, methicillin / oxacillin-resistant (MRSA / ORSA) and methicillin / oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococci (MSSA / OSSA), enterococci (e.g., E. faecalis, E. faecium, and E. hirae), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE), Bacteroides These include, but are not limited to, Propionibacterium sfragilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Propionibacterium, Clostridium difficile (spores and vegetative cells), Selenomonas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, Proteus mirabilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Klebsiella aerogenes, K. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae multidrug resistant (MDR), Acinetobacter baumannii, A. baumannii MDR, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Micrococcus luteus, Ralstonia pickettii, Haemophilus influenzae, and Serratia marcescens.

[0027] Example fungi include, but are not limited to, Aspergillus, Candida, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, C. auris, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata), C. guilliermondii, C. kephir (formerly C. pseudotropicalis), C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, Epidermophyton, Microsporum gypseum, M. canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

[0028] Example viruses include, but are not limited to, those with lipid components in their outer shell or those with an outer envelope, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, smallpox virus, vaccinia, norovirus, and coronavirus.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the period of time can be about 5 minutes or less, optionally about 4 minutes or less, optionally about 3 minutes or less, optionally about 2 minutes or less, and optionally about 1 minute or less.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the period of time can be about 120 seconds or less, optionally about 105 seconds or less, optionally about 90 seconds or less, optionally about 75 seconds or less, optionally about 60 seconds or less, optionally about 45 seconds or less, optionally about 30 seconds or less, and optionally about 15 seconds or less.

[0031] It should be understood that an "acceptable log reduction" can be microorganism-dependent. For example, an acceptable log reduction as described herein can refer to an acceptable log reduction of one type of microorganism present on a surface (e.g., present in a body cavity or at a trauma site), a combination of more than two types of microorganisms present on a surface, or all microorganisms present on a surface.

[0032] According to some embodiments, an acceptable log reduction is 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 2.0 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.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the disinfectant may be present in the disinfectant solution at a concentration sufficient to provide an acceptable log reduction of microorganisms within a period of time, as described herein. According to some embodiments, the disinfectant may be present in the disinfectant 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.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the disinfectant may be present in the disinfecting solution at a concentration 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.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the disinfectant may be present in the disinfecting solution at a concentration 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.

[0036] A particularly preferred antiseptic solution comprises a chlorhexidine salt, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, at about 2% w / v, and between 30-80% v / v, more particularly about 70% v / v, isopropyl alcohol.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the swab 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), polyamideimide, any heat resistant plastic, or any combination thereof.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the application portion of the swab, i.e., a portion of the entire swab, can be constructed using one or more of the following materials: polyurethane, polyether, any heat resistant foam, or any combination thereof.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the applicator portion of the swab can be constructed with the following dimensions: length 0.3 inches to 2 inches, width 0.2 inches to 1.5 inches, and depth 0.05 inches to 1.5 inches, more specifically, length 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, width 0.3 inches to 0.8 inches, and depth 0.1 inches to 0.8 inches.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the swab handle can be constructed with the following dimensions: 2 to 7 inches long, 0.1 to 1 inch wide, and 0.05 to 1 inch deep; more specifically, 3 to 5 inches long, 0.1 to 0.5 inches wide, and 0.08 to 0.5 inches deep.

[0041] 1-5 (as described below) together constitute a preferred swab, which is rigid enough to support clinical applications and compatible with contact solutions. Swab 100 can also be terminally sterilized prior to use through the following methods: moist heat sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation sterilization (such as gamma sterilization), electron beam sterilization, and / or water cascade or waterfall sterilization.

[0042] For example, moist heat sterilization can be performed in a pressurized chamber called an autoclave. The swab 100 is 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. Furthermore, dry heat sterilization, for example, is achieved by heat conduction. Heat is absorbed by the outer surface of the device and transferred throughout the device until the target temperature is reached. Dry heat kills microorganisms by oxidizing molecules. Furthermore, sterilization by ionizing radiation, primarily cobalt-60 gamma rays or electron accelerators, is a low-temperature sterilization method. Furthermore, e-beam sterilization (electron beam sterilization) is a form of radiation sterilization that utilizes beta particles to inactivate microorganisms. Electron beam systems sterilize medical devices by scanning focused electrons (beta particles). Electron beams have lower penetration and deliver higher dose rates compared to gamma rays. Furthermore, water cascade or waterfall sterilizers, for example, can be used to sterilize heat-sensitive products and materials. The sterilization principle is the same as that of a steam sterilizer / autoclave, but the temperature is lower and therefore the sterilization cycle is longer.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the swabs 100 can be packaged in a package containing multiple swabs, e.g., three to a package, either before or after sterilization depending on the sterilization process described above. Although three swabs are referenced, any number can be packaged together. Further, in addition, or instead, the swabs can be provided in sterile packaging as known in the art.

[0044] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a swab 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the swab 100 can include a swab handle 102 and a swab application portion 104. The swab handle 102 can include a top portion 106 and a bottom portion 108. Furthermore, the swab handle 102 can include a top portion 110 and a side portion 112. One end of the bottom portion 108 includes an end portion 114. The end portion 114 is illustrated as being rounded, as shown by the dashed line. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end portion 114 can be any desired shape for the end portion, such as round, square, open, etc. The other end of the bottom portion 108 is connected to the top portion 106. One end of the elongated top portion includes a second end portion (not shown) that is attached to the swab application portion 104. The other end of the top portion 106 is connected to the bottom portion 108. End 114 and second end (not shown) may be flat or rounded to provide flexibility in the manufacturing process, thereby including processes such as molding or extruding swab handle 102 .

[0045] The break line (dashed line) shown between the upper and lower portions 106, 108 is shown merely to illustrate the indeterminate length of the swab handle 102. The upper and lower portions 106, 108 may be provided as separate pieces connected via any known method, or may be one piece. The length of the swab facilitates application of the contact solution. For example, the length of the swab handle 102 provides the rigidity required for proper application to a patient's skin.

[0046] As mentioned above, the swab handle 102 can be elongated and formed into an ergonomic shape. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ergonomic shape can be a square, an oval, any polygonal planar shape, or any irregular shape. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the swab handle 102 can include a groove (not shown). Preferably, the swab handle can have multiple planar faces that form a regular or irregular polygon in cross section, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, or decagon.

[0047] In some embodiments, the swab handle 102, including an ergonomic shape, includes at least one side 112 and at least one tip 110. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the swab handle can have multiple sides 112 and multiple tips 110 based on the ergonomic shape. The transition between the sides 112 and tips 110 can be smooth or angular (e.g., include sharp edges). For example, the transition of the swab handle 102 with an ergonomic shape allows for a non-cylindrical shape, which prevents it from rolling in the practitioner's hand. The lack of movement in the practitioner's hand aids in the stability of the application of the contact solution.

[0048] Additionally, the swab 100 includes a swab applicator portion 104. The swab applicator portion 104 includes a tip 116 and a base 120. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tip 116 includes a rounded shape, as shown. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tip 116 can include any of a variety of shapes available for applicators, such as a triangular or rectangular shape. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the swab applicator portion can be irregularly shaped to enhance conformity to the intended treatment site. The base 120 is attached to the top 106 of the swab handle 102, as described below. The swab applicator portion 104 also includes applicator side portions 118 and an applicator top portion 122. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator top portion 122 includes a flat shape, and the applicator side portions 118 include a rounded shape. As described above with reference to the swab handle 102, the swab applicator portion 104 can have multiple applicator portion sides 118 and multiple applicator portion tops 122 based on its shape. The transition between the applicator portion sides 118 and the applicator portion tops 122 can be smooth or angular (e.g., include sharp edges). One or more of the applicator portion tops 122 and applicator portion sides 118 can have one or more depressions in their surfaces, preferably one depression located substantially in the center of the applicator portion tops 122 and / or applicator portion sides 118 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ).

[0049] The swab application portion 104 may be secured to the swab handle 102 via adhesive or co-molding. For example, a cyanoacrylate adhesive may be used to secure the swab application portion 104 to the swab handle 102. Other suitable adhesives are known in the art.

[0050] The shape of the application portion allows for application of the contact solution to an area of ​​the patient's body, and for the solution to be absorbed and / or released in amounts sufficient to support clinical efficacy in accordance with the FDA Final Monograph (Non-Patent Document 1), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] As discussed above, the application portion 104 of the swab can be constructed of a foam, is compatible with aqueous or alcoholic antiseptic solutions, sterilization methods, and absorbs and releases sufficient amounts of solution to be clinically effective. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as discussed above, the application portion 104 of the swab can be impregnated with a contact solution.

[0052] As noted above, Figures 2-5 provide additional views of a preferred swab as described with reference to Figure 1. Further, as noted above, throughout the specification and drawings, like parts are numbered the same, each incremented by 100 based on the respective figure. For purposes of example only, several parts are described below.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, a side view of a swab 200 is shown. As described above, the swab 200 may include a swab handle 202 and a swab applicator portion 204. The swab handle 202 may include a top portion 206 and a bottom portion 208. Further, the swab handle 202 may include a top portion 210 and a side portion 212. One end of the bottom portion 208 includes an end portion 214.

[0054] 3, there is shown a front view of a swab 300. As described above, the swab 300 can include a swab applicator portion 304. The swab applicator portion 304 also includes applicator portion sides 318, an applicator portion top 322, and a tip 316.

[0055] 4, a rear view of a swab 400 is shown. As described above, the swab 400 can include a swab handle 402 and a swab applicator portion 404. The swab handle 402 can include an end portion 414. The swab applicator portion 404 also includes applicator side portions 418, an applicator top portion 422, and a base portion 420.

[0056] 5, a top view of a swab 500 is shown. As described above, the swab 500 can include a swab handle 502 and a swab applicator portion 504. The swab handle 502 can include a top portion 506 and a bottom portion 508. Additionally, the swab handle 502 can include a top portion 510 and a side portion 512. One end of the bottom portion 508 includes an end portion 514.

[0057] It will be appreciated that various implementations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or variations thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated substitutions, modifications, changes, or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100 cotton swabs 102 Cotton swab handle 104 Cotton swab application part 106 Upper 108 Lower 110 Top 112 Side 114 End 116 Tip 118 Side of application part 120 base 122 Top of application part 200 cotton swabs 202 Cotton swab handle 204 Cotton swab application part 206 Upper 208 Lower 210 Top 212 Side 214 End 300 cotton swabs 304 Cotton swab application part 316 Tip 318 Side of application part 322 Top of application part 400 cotton swabs 402 Cotton swab handle 404 Cotton swab application part 414 End 418 Side of application part 420 base 422 Top of application part 500 cotton swabs 502 Cotton swab handle 504 Cotton swab application part 506 Upper 508 Lower 510 Top 512 Side 514 End

Claims

1. an application portion comprising polyurethane, polyether, or heat resistant foam; a handle comprising one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and heat resistant plastic; Including, the application area is impregnated with a contact solution; The handle is formed as a non-cylindrical shape. Swab device.

2. 10. The swab device of claim 1, wherein the handle has dimensions of 2 to 7 inches in length, 0.1 to 1 inch in width, and 0.05 to 1 inch in depth.

3. 3. The swab device of claim 2, wherein the handle has dimensions of 3 to 5 inches in length, 0.1 to 0.5 inches in width, and 0.08 to 0.5 inches in depth.

4. 10. The swab device of claim 1, wherein the applicator portion has dimensions of 0.3 to 2 inches in length, 0.2 to 1.5 inches in width, and 0.05 to 1.5 inches in depth.

5. 5. The swab device of claim 4, wherein the applicator portion has dimensions of 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length, 0.3 to 0.8 inches in width, and 0.1 to 0.8 inches in depth.

6. 10. The swab device of claim 1, wherein the applicator tip comprises polyurethane and the handle comprises solid polypropylene.

7. 10. The swab device of claim 1, wherein the contact solution comprises an alcohol-based sanitizing solution.

8. 8. The swab device of claim 7, wherein the alcohol-based antiseptic solution comprises chlorhexidine gluconate and an isopropyl alcohol solution.

9. 10. The swab device of claim 1, wherein the swab device is terminally sterilized by moist heat sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation sterilization, or electron beam sterilization.

10. 10. The swab device of claim 9, wherein the sterilization is moist heat sterilization.

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