Sterile swab in a test tube /spectacle/ for collecting secretions

A cotton swab with a plastic handle in a tube, also known as a "spectalette" is a type of medical sample collection tool used to collect specimens for laboratory testing. The cotton tip of the swab is used to collect a sample from a specific area of the body, such as the throat, nasal cavity, or wound. The collected sample is then placed in the tube, which may contain a preservative solution to help maintain the integrity of the sample for transport and analysis. The plastic handle provides support for the swab and helps prevent contamination of the sample. Spectalettes are commonly used for collecting specimens for culture and sensitivity testing, or for the detection of infectious agents. The use of a sterile swab helps to reduce the risk of contamination of the collected sample.