What happens during a nasal swab?
A nasal swab may taken from the:Front part of your nostrils (anterior nares)Back of your nostrils, in a procedure known as nasal mid-turbinate (NMT) swab. Nasopharynx (uppermost part of your nose and throat)In some cases, a health care provider will ask you to do an anterior nares test or an NMT swab yourself. During an anterior nares test, you will start by tilting your head back. Then you or the provider will:Gently insert a swab inside your nostril.Rotate the swab and leave it in place for 10-15 seconds.·Remove the swab and insert into your second nostril.Swab the second nostril using the same technique.Remove the swab.If you are doing the test yourself, the provider will let you know how to seal your sample.During an NMT swab, you will start by tilting your head back. Then you or your provider will:Gently insert a swab onto the bottom of the nostril, pushing it until you feel it stopping.Rotate the swab for 15 seconds.Remove the swab and insert into your second nostril.Swab the second nostril using the same technique.Remove the swab.If you are doing the test yourself, the provider will let you know how to seal your sample.During a nasopharyngeal swab: You will tip your head back.Your health care provider will insert a swab into your nostril until it reaches your nasopharynx (the upper part of your throat).Your provider will rotate the swab and remove it.
