tampone

Tampone is an Italian noun with more than one meaning. In everyday language it most often refers to a sterile swab used to collect samples for laboratory testing. The object typically consists of a small, sterile stick with a cotton or synthetic tip, designed to obtain material from body sites such as the nose, throat, or other tissues. The collected sample is placed in a transport medium and sent to a laboratory for analysis, commonly by molecular or antigen testing to detect pathogens. The expression fare un tampone, meaning to undergo a swab test, is widely used, especially in the context of respiratory infections.

In a second, technical sense, tampone denotes a pad or stopper made of rubber, silicone, or another elastomer that provides cushioning, sealing, or shock absorption between components. In engineering, manufacturing, and automotive applications, tampone elements help dampen vibrations, reduce noise, and protect delicate parts from impact. They vary in material, hardness, and geometry according to the required function and operating environment.

Etymology traces tampone to the French tampon, with meanings related to padding and sealing. Although the primary modern usage is medical testing, the term also appears in mechanical and industrial contexts to describe padding or cushioning components. In any sense, proper handling and disposal are important for hygienic or safety reasons.