A swab is a small piece of cloth, usually made from cotton or rayon, that has been twisted into a cylindrical shape. It can be used for various purposes such as cleaning, wiping, and absorbing liquids or debris. In medical settings, swabs are often used to collect samples of tissue, blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids for testing or analysis. They may also be used in dental offices for patient care or in cosmetic procedures. Additionally, swabs can be utilized for cleaning and maintaining various equipment or surfaces, such as medical instruments, automobiles, or electronic devices.