Magnetically actuated physical impingement for elution of artificial mucous from a swab

Many biological samples are collected using a swab and complete elution of the sample from the swab is a crucial step in clinical diagnostics. The recovery of micro-organisms from a matrix of swab fibers depends on the nature of the body fluid, the type of the swab fibers and the process of elution. Current methods of elution include enzymatic digestion, mild agitation and centrifugation that demonstrates a maximum of 60% recovery. Here, we report the highest efficiency elution method (∼90%) by physical impingement of magnetic particles on a swab using rotating magnetic fields.