I've heard about microchips being put on the end of these Covid test swabs...I've also heard that they want to do this with ear Qtips? Anyone else hear about that?
It's a load of crap.
I specifically recall some idiot nurse making a viral video about the Chinese "dipping" swabs in Ethylene Oxide to 'poison' them. I work with Ethylene Oxide as a medical sterilant, yes it is dangerous if directly exposed; but no, you cannot "dip" anything in it, as it is a gas. It is actually a very good way to sterilize objects that cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures and need to remain dry, like cotton swabs. It just requires a long aeration time (12 hours), so it is very uncommon nowadays.