During peak flu seasons, respiratory viruses such as Influenza A and B spread rapidly. Rapid antigen tests and molecular nucleic acid testing place strict demands on sampling consumables—specifically regarding sample capture capacity and elution/release efficiency. The nasopharynx, oropharynx, and throat are the primary upper respiratory sites for influenza virus sampling. Because the anatomical structures of these sites differ, the swabs used must vary significantly in head shape, shaft rigidity, breakpoint location, and flexibility.
As a source manufacturer of flocked swabs, Mandelab leverages Class 10,000 GMP cleanroom automated production lines and mature electrostatic nylon flocking technology. Our full range of influenza sampling swabs is free of DNase/RNase and PCR inhibitors. We hold CE and ISO13485 certifications. We also offer compatible VTM/UTM transport media, making our products ideal for global IVD manufacturers, third-party laboratories, and medical institutions conducting influenza testing.
1. Oral Sampling: MS-OF3601 Oral Flocked Swab
Application: Collection of oral mucosal exfoliated cells and oral secretion samples. Suitable for auxiliary screening of suspected influenza cases and oral sample collection during epidemiological investigations.
Features & Advantages: The MS-OF3601 utilizes nylon electrostatic flocking technology, with ultrafine nylon fibers densely arranged perpendicular to the swab head to form an open brush-like structure. Samples do not get trapped inside the fiber matrix, achieving an elution and release efficiency of over 95%. This is particularly critical for influenza nucleic acid testing—if low viral load samples remain trapped in the swab substrate, it can lead to false negatives. The swab shaft features a breakpoint, allowing it to be easily snapped off into a collection tube for standard viral transport media.
2. Nasal Sampling: MS-NF7801 Nasal Flocked Swab
Application: Nasopharyngeal influenza pathogen collection, compatible with mainstream clinical protocols such as rapid antigen screening for Influenza A/B and respiratory pathogen nucleic acid testing. It is an optimal consumable for routine influenza screening in medical institutions and third-party testing laboratories.
Features & Advantages: The flocked tip of the MS-NF7801 is composed of millions of perpendicularly attached ultrafine nylon fibers, arranged in an open, upright pattern similar to a flexible soft brush. During sampling, it relies on electrostatic adsorption to capture nasopharyngeal secretions, mucosal exfoliated cells, and viral particles. The sample release rate also reaches over 95%, helping to improve the detection sensitivity of specimens with low viral loads. The shaft is made of PP material, offering both flexibility and elasticity to conform to nasal anatomy. It can be moderately bent to buffer the sampling process, reducing mucosal irritation and improving patient comfort—especially suitable for mass screening scenarios.
3. Throat Sampling: MS-LF7803 Throat Flocked Swab
Application: Collection of influenza virus samples from the oropharynx and throat. In clinical practice for influenza testing, throat swabs remain one of the most commonly used sampling methods. The MS-LF7803 is designed for throat mucosal sampling and is compatible with Influenza A/B antigen and nucleic acid testing.
Features & Advantages: The sampling tip is non-porous with no dirt-trapping cavities, structurally eliminating sample retention and impurity accumulation. The soft flocked brush tip is gentle to the touch, reducing the foreign body sensation and gag reflex during throat sampling, which helps improve sampling compliance.
Influenza virus sampling is not a "one-swab-fits-all" process. Selecting the right flocked swab model is essential to balance sampling comfort, sample capture volume, and elution efficiency. Mandelab's flocked swabs leverage a unified electrostatic flocking technology platform and a sample release rate of over 95%, providing traceable and verifiable consumable assurance for every step of influenza screening.
For product inquiries and sample requests, please contact our sales team. Email sales3@mandelab.com
