Saline is commonly used for swabs in microbiology and clinical applications because it
provides an isotonic environment that preserves cell integrity
𝐌𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Saline keeps the swab moist, preventing the sample from drying out, which helps in
recovering microorganisms or cells during testing.
𝐏𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
It doesn’t kill or alter the microorganisms, ensuring an accurate sample for culturing or
analysis.
𝐂𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
Being isotonic (same salt concentration as cells or tissues), saline prevents osmotic stress that
could damage the microorganisms or cells being collected.