A swab applicator for containing and dispensing cyanoacrylate adhesives is disclosed. The device comprises a tube applicator with a valve to contain the cyanoacrylate until use. The valve can be a ball, a bead or a capsule, or it can be an oblong object having a channel closed at one end. The device further comprises an absorbent material which is saturated by cyanoacrylate for application upon opening of the valve. The device can be heat sterilized using dry heat sterilization without rupturing prematurely from pressure generated during the sterilization process.