By alcohol swabs I mean those that are clinical products such as sold in a pharmacy in individual sealed packs. They are not "alcohol" --the one you consume. It is a synthetic swatch soaked in isopropyl alcohol sealed in a paper pouch whose inside is aluminized. It is the recommended procedure for skin prick to test bloood glucose. The other procedure is soap and water which is a cumbersome procedure. The swab does not have any sugar/glucose. Even absolute ethanol (95% ethanol--5% water) does not have any glucose in it. But as I said you can use the alcohol swabs sold in the pharmacy without any problem. Ask your pharmacist. Don't soak your finger in beer though, before pricking it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!