Do you remember the PCR test we all had during COVID-19? The thought of that swab that you put deep into your nose and swirled around makes some people queasy, doesn't it? That's what we call a Nasopharyngeal Swab test. This is not just a nasal swab, it's a very important medical test to detect infections in our respiratory system. So let's take a simple look at this.
What is a Nasopharyngeal Swab?
Simply put, this is a test to look for bacteria or viruses that cause respiratory infections. Your doctor or a trained medical professional will use a long, thin swab to take a sample of cells from the inside of your nose and the top of your throat. This area is medically called the nasopharynx .
Imagine, this is the empty space above the throat, close to where the two nostrils meet. The long probe is made of flexible plastic or wire. The cotton-like part at the end is used to suck out some of the fluid in the nasopharynx.
Who is doing this test? Can't you do it yourself?
No, this is not a test you can do yourself. This must be done by a doctor or a trained health care professional .
Because, unlike some nasal tests (for example, the Rapid Antigen Test), this requires the swab to be inserted much deeper into the nose. Doing it incorrectly can cause problems. Therefore, it is safest to have someone who knows how to do it correctly do it.
When is a Nasopharyngeal Swab test needed?
If your doctor suspects that you have a respiratory infection, they may recommend this test. Here are some of the conditions that can be detected with this method.
| Illness | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | The disease caused by the coronavirus. |
| Influenza | The flu is what we commonly call "flu." |
| Whooping cough | A persistent cough that cannot be stopped. |
| Meningitis | Swelling of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | A lung infection that is common in young children. |
| MRSA | A bacterial infection that is resistant to many antibiotics (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). |
Why would a doctor think they need to do this test?
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, your doctor may be suspicious. In such cases, this test can help determine the exact cause.
| Common symptoms of respiratory infection |
|---|
| - Sore throat |
| - Cough |
| - Headache |
| - Fever |
| - Hot water leak |
| - Nasal congestion |
| - Body pain |
| - Tiredness, fatigue |
How exactly is this test done?
This process is very quick. It goes like this:
1. Asking you to tilt your head back: You are asked to tilt your head back slightly and keep your nose slightly up.
2. Inserting the swab: Then the doctor or the relevant official will insert a long swab through one of your nostrils and gently push it back until it reaches the nasopharynx.
3. Swirl the swab: Once it reaches the deepest point, the swab is swirled for a few seconds to absorb the cells and fluid in that area.
4. Removing the swab: Then the priest takes it out one by one.
Sometimes, if the sample taken from one nostril is not enough, a sample may need to be taken from the other nostril as well.
Do I need to prepare anything before the test?
Typically, this test does not require any special preparation. However, if you are getting a COVID-19 test, you may sometimes be asked to blow your nose thoroughly with a tissue before the test.
What should I expect when taking the test?
To be honest, this can be a bit of an uncomfortable experience . Because the swab goes all the way from your nostril to your ear, you may feel a tingling sensation or tightness inside. You may have a brief cough or feel nauseous at that time. But it's very temporary.
What happens after the test?
The sample taken from you is placed in a well-sealed tube and sent to a lab. There, it is tested for viruses or bacteria. Once the results are in, your doctor will let you know.
A negative (-) result means you do not have the disease you were tested for. A positive (+) result means you do have the disease.
Are there any risks with this test?
This is a very safe test, but there are a few things that can happen very rarely:
- Slight nosebleed: Some people may experience a slight nosebleed after the test.
- Breaking the swab: This happens very rarely. If it does, a doctor will have to remove it.
- Incorrect results: If the test is not performed correctly, the results may be incorrect.
To minimize these risks, this test should only be performed by someone who has been trained . They are well-versed in the internal structures of the nose.
How long will it take for me to receive the report?
It depends on a few factors. If there is a lab close to where you got the test, you can get the results quickly. But if the sample needs to be sent to another city, it can take time. It also depends on the number of tests the lab has at that time.
The best thing to do is to ask how long it will take for the results to come back when you get the test. If you haven't received a call from the doctor by that time, call and ask about it.
No one likes to take this test. But the inconvenience only lasts a few seconds. But that small sample will help your doctor figure out exactly what's making you sick. Once he knows exactly what's wrong, he can give you the right advice to help you get better quickly.
Take-Home Message
- Nasopharyngeal swab is an important test for detecting respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu.
- This should only be done by a doctor or a trained health professional. Do not try to do it yourself.
- You may feel a little uncomfortable during the test, but it will be over very quickly.
- When done correctly, the risks of this test are very low.
- The results of this test will greatly help your doctor provide you with the right treatment.
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