| Description | This is a sealed Transwab, a semi-solid medium transport device invented and launched in 1975 by its manufacturer, MWE. The clear plastic package contains the swab with a cotton tip, a blue plastic lid at the other end, and a clear plastic tube with a white lid for specimen collection. On the tube, there is a white paper label with blue ink writings reporting “Transtube Sterile” and in black ink “EXP. Jul 89”, along with “Cap base to this line” and writing fields for the hospital to fill out, such as “Hospital No.”, “Date, Name, Ward, Specimen, Age, Sex” and “Medical Wire and Equipment Co. Ltd. Corsham, Wilts. UK. Mfg. in UK Ref. MW 170”. The back of the package reports Lot No 87G03, Expiry Date Jul 89, information and directions for use. The tube has a brown stain inside, probably expired gel, which is available in modern ones to reduce oxygen diffusion.
Modern Transwab devices use a gel medium which limits oxygen diffusion, maintaining specimen viability during transport. Charcoal in some versions adsorbs substances that could interfere with delicate bacteria. These devices are used in hospitals and clinics for reliable specimen collection and transport, ensuring accurate diagnostic results. |