How to use a Nasal Swab?

The collection of respiratory mucosal surface specimens using nasopharyngeal swabs is a commonly used clinical procedure to assess the presence of respiratory viral or bacterial infections in adults and children.

In the diagnosis of new coronavirus infection, collecting nasopharyngeal swabs for nucleic acid detection is an important inspection method.

The operation can be performed on patients without special contraindications for nasopharyngeal swab collection. If the patient has a recent history of nasal trauma or surgery, or has a significantly deviated nasal septum, or has a history of chronic nasal passage obstruction and severe coagulation disorders, clinicians should Caution should be used.

preparation and equipment

A nasopharyngeal swab is a special long flexible handle made of plastic or metal with a tip made of polyester, rayon or flocked nylon.

Before operation, make sure that all sampling tubes are labelled, and fill out the corresponding application form before the operation starts.

When collecting new coronavirus-related specimens, it is necessary to follow the respiratory and contact precautions established by the relevant agencies, and to properly wear personal protective equipment.

operate

All patients tested for the new coronavirus should wear a mask. Collectors should use appropriate personal protection as required.

Before collecting the specimen, ask the patient to remove the mask and blow the nose with a tissue to remove excess secretions from the nasal cavity.

Remove the swab from the packaging and tilt the patient's head slightly back so that the swab can more easily pass through the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx. Instruct the patient to close their eyes to relieve minor discomfort from the procedure.

Gently insert the pharyngeal swab along the nasal septum until a resistance is felt indicating that the swab has reached the base of the nasopharynx.

It should be noted that the throat swab should be kept parallel to the palate during insertion. If the swab encounters resistance when passing through the nasal passage, it is necessary to back the swab and try to change the angle to re-enter.

The depth of insertion of the swab should be equal to the distance from the nostril to the outer opening of the ear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the swab should be left for a few seconds after reaching the base of the nasopharynx to allow the tip of the swab to absorb secretions, and then slowly removed while rotating the swab.

processing specimens

Open the sampling tube and insert the swab into the sampling tube. Depending on the swab, some will require the swab to be snapped off the groove, and some will require placing in the original packaging.