Family Life What are povidone iodine Swabsticks used for? What are povidone iodine Swabsticks used for? CVS Health ™ Povidone-Iodine Swabsticks are antiseptic swabs to use before bandaging minor cuts, scrapes and burns. The convenient swab format makes them a space-saving addition to any first kit. The Swabs are non-sterile.