Absorbent pad or bud for taking medical samples (4)

I believe the answer is:

swab

(Other definitions for swab that I've seen before include "Small piece of cotton used to cleanse a wound" , "Small pad for surgical use" , "Among others, Q-tip" , "Piece of fabric for medical use" , "Absorbent pad for cleansing or drying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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