| nose swab | <investigation, microbiology> A sample of nasopharyngeal secretions are obtained via a swab stick (Q-tip-like) and sent to the lab for bacterial or viral culture. This test is used to identify an organism or virus which is responsible for respiratory disease and can also guide the selection of an effective antibiotic agent. (13 Nov 1997) |
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| swab | A wad of cotton, gauze, or other absorbent material attached to the end of a stick or clamp, used for applying or removing a substance from a surface. (05 Mar 2000) |