What sampling technique is used when imprints, scrapings, and aspirates cannot be performed?

The correct choice—swabbing—refers to a technique commonly used to collect samples when other methods, like imprints, scrapings, or aspirates, may not be feasible. Swabbing involves using a sterile swab to collect cellular material from a surface or lesion. This technique is particularly beneficial for capturing bacteria, fungi, or cellular debris, especially in cases where other sampling methods are challenging due to the location or nature of the tissue.

This method is versatile and can be applied to various body surfaces, making it a practical choice when more invasive techniques are not an option. Additionally, swabs can easily be transported to the lab for culture or cytological examination, ensuring that the necessary information can still be obtained.

In contrast to swabbing, fine needle aspiration focuses on obtaining cells from deeper structures and may not be suitable if those structures are inaccessible. Blood sampling is used primarily for analyzing blood components rather than tissue or surface cells. Histopathological examination requires larger tissue samples obtained via more invasive methods, such as excisional biopsies, making it impractical in situations where swabbing is the most appropriate choice.