How to do a nasopharyngeal swab

How is the COVID-19 nasal swab test performed?

A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample.

Is the COVID-19 swab test painful?

COVID-19 swab testing has not been shown to cause major injury to the nose or sinuses. When COVID-19 testing began, it was believed that nasal swabs needed to be inserted 3-5 inches into the nose to reach the back of the nasal cavity. This can be very uncomfortable, causing a small proportion of people to gag, cough, bleed from the nose, or even faint. However, newer tests use a type of swab that is much shorter in length but just as effective. The test you receive may depend on the availability of these different swabs.

How do saliva tests compare to nasal swab tests for diagnosing COVID-19?

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Samples for COVID-19 tests may be collected through a long swab that is inserted into the nose and sometimes down to the throat, or from a saliva sample.

The saliva test is easier to perform — spitting into a cup versus submitting to a swab — and more comfortable. Because a person can independently spit into a cup, the saliva test does not require interaction with a healthcare worker. This cuts down on the need for masks, gowns, gloves, and other protective equipment.

Either saliva or swab samples may be used for PCR tests, which detect genetic material from the coronavirus. Swab or saliva samples can also be used for antigen tests, which detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus.

What is the difference between PCR nasal swab and COVID-19 antigen test?

In general, antigen tests are very specific for COVID-19, but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that there is a higher chance of false negatives than with many molecular tests.

Could headache be a symptom of COVID-19?

Most people infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus will have no or mild to moderate symptoms associated with the brain or nervous system. However, most hospitalized patients do have symptoms related to the brain or nervous system, most commonly including muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, and altered taste and smell.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted orally?

The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth or nose of a person nearby. Coming into contact with a person’s spit through kissing or other sexual activities could expose you to the virus.

Will a HEPA filter eliminate COVID-19?

A HEPA filter does not eliminate the COVID-19 virus, but the elements that can transport the virus attach to the filter so they cannot circulate in your living area. Appliances that use HEPA filters only work when they are on, so you may need to run the fan on your furnace continuously or for longer periods of time.

Does cooking meat eliminate the coronavirus?

You should always handle and prepare food safely, including keeping raw meat separate from other foods, refrigerating perishable foods, and cooking meat to the right temperature to eliminate harmful germs.

Can I still have relationship during the coronavirus pandemic?

If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and relationship are more likely to be safe.

What is a pandemic?

Pandemic: Event in which a disease spreads across several countries and affects a large number of people.

Can hot water eliminate the coronavirus disease?

Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.

Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.

Can I stay at home if I have the coronavirus disease?

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

Should I use gloves to protect myself from COVID-19?

Gloves are not recommended unless they need to be used while performing normal job tasks such as handling chemicals. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Can fruits carry the coronavirus?

As all Americans struggle to adapt to the reality of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to know that there is no evidence people can be exposed through food.

The spread pattern for coronavirus is quite different from those of foodborne pathogens like salmonella and E. coli.

Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?

There is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from eating food. However, sharing utensils and congregating around food service areas may present risks. If food is offered at any meeting or event, have individual, pre-packaged boxes or bags instead of a potluck, buffet, or family-style meal.