If your healthcare provider thinks you have a respiratory infection, they may need to carry out a nasopharyngeal swab test. This takes a sample from deep inside your nose to analyse for bacteria or viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The test is accurate when done correctly and should only be carried out by a trained healthcare professional.
A nasopharyngeal swab is a nasal swab, a test used to look for bacteria or viruses that cause respiratory infections. Your healthcare provider uses the swab to collect a small sample of cells from your nasopharynx (the top of your nose and throat). The long, thin part of the swab is made of flexible plastic or metal wire. The swab has a tip at the end to draw a liquid sample from your nasopharynx.
Your provider will carry out the test. Unlike some other nasal swab tests that do not require going deep into the nose, this is not a test you can complete yourself. If it is not done correctly, problems may arise.
Nasopharyngeal Swab
Your healthcare provider may perform this test if they think you have a respiratory infection such as
New Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Influenza.
Whooping cough.
Meningitis.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Your provider may suspect that you have an infection if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection. Symptoms of a respiratory infection include.
Sore throat.
Coughing and coughing.
Headache.
Fever.
Runny nose.
Stuffy nose.
Muscle aches and pains.
Tiredness.
You tilt your head back so that your nose is slightly elevated.
Your provider puts a long swab into your nostril and keeps gently pushing it in until it reaches your nasopharynx. This is the top of your throat.
While the swab is still in your nose, your provider will turn the swab and then remove it from your nose. They may put it in for a few seconds and then slowly remove it.
If they have obtained a sufficient fluid sample from one nostril, they will not need to insert the swab into the other nostril. However, if there is a problem taking a sample, they may try to take a sample from the other nostril.
Usually, you do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. If you are going to be tested for the COVID-19, you may be asked to blow your nose on a Kleenex before the test.
The swab may be uncomfortable as it will pass through your nostrils and near your ears. It may cause you to gag or cough briefly.
Your sample will be placed in a sealed container. It will be sent to a laboratory where it will be studied. Your provider can tell you the results of the laboratory.
If you test negative, it means that you do not have the disease for which the test was performed.
A positive result means you have the disease.
