---
title: "HydraFlock: The Superior Flocked Swab"
description: Puritan's HydraFlock® swabs feature significant improvements in both materials and construction. Learn more about why HydraFlock is the superior flocked swab.
image: https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Puritan-HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.png
---

- [Home](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/)
- [Education](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/resource-library)
- [**Blog**](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/)

# Puritan Blog

Mar 27, 2017[Print this page](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/why-hydaflock-is-superior-flocked-swab#)

# HydraFlock: The Superior Flocked Swab

![Puritan-HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.png](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Puritan-HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.png?width=599&height=250&name=Puritan-HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.png)

There’s no question that flocked swabs have revolutionized specimen collection.

What’s a flocked swab, you ask? A quick Google search will call up [this definition](http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/flocked+swab):

> *Specimen collection device with tufts of polyester material attached to the end of a plastic shaft; used to collect specimens of bacterial and viral pathogens.*  

Though accurate, the description doesn't exactly paint a vivid picture. Here's a (much!) closer look:

![HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.jpg](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.jpg?width=599&height=250&name=HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.jpg)

Clearly, this is not your average cotton swab.

## **Modern Microbiology Demands a Flocked Swab**

Cotton certainly has its place, but the original swab tip invented in 1920 needed to improve as industries like microbiology and diagnostics advanced over the years. 

Initially, rayon was considered a better material for microbiology work. Then, spun polyester was introduced and quickly replaced the cotton and rayon fibers that were reluctant to release specimens. Foam came next but was not considered suitable for all applications. 

The search was still on for a tipped applicator that would be patient-friendly and deliver the best collection and release properties that could be devised.

## **Flock Is Not a Four-Letter Word**

Flocked swabs first hit the market when Copan released FLOQSwabs™ (made with nylon fibers) in 2003. A lot has changed since then.

Puritan's HydraFlock® swabs, introduced in 2011, feature significant improvements in both materials and construction. We won't bore you with all the details, but HydraFlock swabs are composed of a “fiber-within-fiber” design, with pores that facilitate greater sample absorption, retention, and faster release. Our unique flocking process results in split ends that provide even greater surface area for sample retention and friction for faster sample disruption and collection.

Looking for an unbiased opinion? Independent studies have [confirmed the superiority](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/bid/358540/independent-study-confirms-superior-performance-of-hydraflock-swabs) of HydraFlock's collection and release properties to FLOQwabs. 

## **HydraFlock's Widespread Success**

Years ago, Puritan’s talented engineering staff and forward-thinking Executive VP, Timothy Templet, envisioned the possibilities of improved design and expanded markets for flocked swabs. Once in the hands of diagnosticians, it was clear Timothy was spot on; acceptance was swift and the news spread.  

Now, HydraFlock swabs are found in public health organizations, commercial agriculture, [crime labs](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-collect-a-buccal-swab-sample-for-forensic-analysis) here and abroad, and are offered as [self-test products](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-take-self-swab-samples-detection-group-b-streptococcus) by those that serve the personal health market.

To address the varied needs of labs and OEMs, HydraFlock swabs are available in various configurations, differing in tip dimension, shaft diameter, break point, and transport options. They are even available coupled with transport media.  

Perhaps most importantly, HydraFlock is the optimal specimen collection device for human diagnostics. Again and again, HydraFlock has met the challenge of time-sensitive response to infectious disease outbreaks both in the U.S. and overseas.

HydraFlock could be the perfect tool for your industry. Interested in learning more or acquiring samples? Our sales specialists are here to help.

 

[![Flocked-Swabs-Puritan](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/236379/c2bef068-41b4-442f-a89b-cf9124f4804a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/236379/c2bef068-41b4-442f-a89b-cf9124f4804a) 

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

 Topics: [Flocked Swabs](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flocked-swabs)

### Related Posts

[What is Viral Transport Media: The Complete Guide](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/viral-transport-media)

[![What is Viral Transport Media: The Complete Guide](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Featured%20Blog%20-%20Ensure%20Sample%20Integrity%20with%20Viral%20Transport%20Media.jpeg)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/viral-transport-media)

[Nasopharyngeal Swab vs Nasal Swab: Comparing Methods](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/nasopharyngeal-swab-vs-nasal-swab)

[![Nasopharyngeal Swab vs Nasal Swab: Comparing Methods](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Featured%20-%20Nasopharyngeal%20Swab%20vs%20Nasal%20Swab%20-%20Comparing%20Methods.jpg)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/nasopharyngeal-swab-vs-nasal-swab)

## Comments

### How To Videos

Visit our training center, where you can view videos on a range of applications from food safety to microbiology.

[Videos](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/videos)

### Resource Library

We've compiled our content in a handy library so you can find all our best resources in one place.

[Resource Library](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/resource-library)

### Find a Distributor

Using our distributor chart, you can see a list of distributors where you can buy our products.

[Where to Buy](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-buy/)

### Recent Posts

### Topics

- [100 Year Annniversary](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/100-year-anniversary)
- [Controlled Environments](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/controlled-environments)
- [COVID-19](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/covid-19)
- [Customer Stories](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/customer-stories)
- [Customization](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/Customization)
- [Diagnostics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/diagnostics)
- [Employee Spotlight Series](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/employee-spotlight-series)
- [Environmental and Food Safety](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/environmental-and-food-safety)
- [Flocked Swabs](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flocked-swabs)
- [Flu](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flu)
- [Forensics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/forensics)
- [Genetics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/genetics)
- [Health and Beauty](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/health-and-beauty)
- [Microbiology Media](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/microbiology-media)
- [Media Transport Systems](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/media-transport-systems)
- [Medical](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/medical)
- [Puritan](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/puritan)
- [Scientific Studies](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/scientific-studies)
- [Specimen Collection Procedure](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/specimen-collection-procedure)
- [Veterinary](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/veterinary)

### Disclaimer

 The information on this document and/or our website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this document and/or our website is for general information purposes only. Please consult with a licensed medical professional regarding the application of products.

### Posts Archive

- [June 2026 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/06)
- [April 2026 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (9)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/10)
- [August 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/10)
- [August 2024 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/02)
- [December 2023 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/08)
- [June 2023 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/05)
- [March 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/03)
- [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/06)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/01)
- [November 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/11)
- [September 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/07)
- [May 2021 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/12)
- [October 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/02)
- [November 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/11)
- [September 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/09)
- [July 2019 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/01)
- [November 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/10)
- [August 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/04)
- [September 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/08)
- [May 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/05)
- [March 2017 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/01)
- [November 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/11)
- [September 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/11)
- [September 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/07)
- [April 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/04)
- [December 2014 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/11)
- [September 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/08)
- [July 2014 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/07)
- [June 2014 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/06)
- [May 2014 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/05)
- [April 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/04)
- [February 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/02)
- [January 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/01)
- [December 2013 (5)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/12)
- [September 2013 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/09)
- [April 2013 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/04)

[More Archives](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/why-hydaflock-is-superior-flocked-swab#)

### Subscribe

Stay informed about industry news, current events, and the unique properties of Puritan's wide range of products that set them apart from the rest.

![puritan footer logo](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/puritan_footer_green.png)Copyright © 2026 Puritan Medical Products. All rights reserved.Proudly Made in the USA

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Puritan Medical"
  },
  "dateModified" : "March 27, 2017, 6:44:38 PM",
  "datePublished" : "2017-03-27 18:44:38",
  "description" : "Puritan's HydraFlock® swabs feature significant improvements in both materials and construction. Learn more about why HydraFlock is the superior flocked swab.",
  "headline" : "HydraFlock: The Superior Flocked Swab",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/236379/Puritan-HydraFlock-Superior-Flocked-Swab.png"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/236379/puritan_logo-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Puritan Medical Products"
  }
}
```