Study Shows Puritan Flocked Swab is Most Efficient on the Market - HydraFlock®

We’re proud to announce that a newly released study shows Puritan’s HydraFlock® flocked swab is the most efficient swab on the market for absorbing and releasing viable cells in lab research and diagnosis.

Swab Study Details

Published by Puritan, the study was conducted to provide absorption and release data for the Puritan HydraFlock® and PurFlock Ultra® flocked swabs.

Absorption data was collected using the dip method and absorption speed method, both of which measure the volume a swab can absorb in a timed interval. Release data was collected by allowing four different styles of swabs to absorb a known concentration of a bacterial suspension followed immediately by elution and plating.

After combining absorption and release data, it was determined that HydraFlock® was the most efficient swab type for the collection and release of small single cells. 

Why are HydraFlock® Flocked Swabs so Effective?

But what makes HydraFlock® so effective? It’s all in the design. The unique micro-geometry of our flocked swab is what sets it apart from both other swab types, and other flocked swab brands.

There are three main components that make Puritan’s HydraFlock® swab so effective:

1. Proprietary multi-length fibers
2. “Split ends” that tip each fiber
3. Micro-channels created between each flocking fiber

Multi Length Fibers

Puritan isn't the only medical products manufacturer to make flocked swabs, but we are the only brand that utilizes proprietary multi-length fibers. The brush-like tip common to all flocked swabs is further enhanced by our multi-length flocking, which creates a web-like structure that’s able to collect and retain more specimen than traditional cotton, polyester or rayon swabs.

Split End Fiber Tips

Not only do our flocked swabs utilize breakthrough multi-length fibers, they also feature specially designed fibers whose unique “split-ends” create greater surface area and tension - making them more abrasive at the microscopic level (potentially providing for a greater volume of sample cells) and providing greater surface area and tension for enhanced sample collection.

Micro Channels

Finally, our proprietary flocking process creates tiny micro-channels that are small enough to retain liquid sample, yet large enough to release it quickly and more completely into the solution.

Designed for use in the clinical diagnostic field, Puritan’s patented HydraFlock® swab provides enhanced sample collection, more rapid sample release and improved patient comfort.

If you would like more information about Puritan’s HydraFlock® flocked swab, or if you would like to learn more about this study, find a product specialist near you.