Nasal swab test

Mar 28, 2023

A nasal swab resembles a long Q-tip. It is inserted into your nose about two inches and swirled around for a few seconds. The swab is then removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Nasal swabs are quick and accurate, making them an excellent choice for the majority of people. You may feel a tickling sensation while the swab is in your nose, and you may sneeze or have runny eyes for a few moments after it is removed.
Health care providers are more likely to use nasopharyngeal swabs that reach deeper into your nasal cavity, which may cause you more discomfort than a self-test nasal swab.