The Internet rumor "sampling swabs of nucleic acid contains fluorescent agents, ethylene oxide and other carcinogens"?

Recently, the news of "nucleic acid swabs have carcinogenic substances" spread on the Internet, which aroused the concern of netizens. According to the news, the swabs used for nucleic acid are chemical fibers, and the ingredients are graphene oxide, ethylene oxide, fluorescent agents...all of which contain carcinogenic substances.

Is this true?

The swabs for nucleic acid called disposable sampling swabs are made of flocked material, sterile processing without irritation.

Further search found that the sampling swab sold on the market is basically composed of nylon short fiber wool head (belonging to the flocking material) and medical grade ABS plastic rod.

The reporter found that as early as September 8, 2021, the National Health Commission issued a "notice on the issuance of a full new coronavirus nucleic acid testing organization and implementation guidelines (second edition)" on the collection of swabs to specify specific requirements. It is desirable to use swabs made of non-cotton, non-calcium alginate materials such as polyester and nylon, and with non-wooden shanks. The fracture point is located about 3cm from the top of the swab head, easy to break.

Whether from the material or production, processing, inspection process, sampling swabs have strict standards to ensure that they are non-toxic and harmless, can be used with confidence.

Sampling swabs are not the same as the swabs used in daily life, but do not contain reagents, not to mention the absence of toxicity.

Sampling swabs belong to medical devices, the basic requirement of qualified products is non-toxic and harmless.

In December 2021, there were pictures circulating on the Internet of nucleic acid testing sampling swabs with ethylene oxide written on the packaging page, and some people therefore thought that the sampling swabs contained ethylene oxide and posted on the Internet. In fact, the package only stated that ethylene oxide was used for sterilization.

Ethylene oxide is one of the most prominent low temperature sterilization methods available, like food packaging, baby diapers, sanitary napkins, etc. All can be sterilized with ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a very good and commonly used disinfectant, and as long as the residue is controlled in a safe range, then it is safe to use it.

As you can see, the net news statement is not true!