Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection

Description

Nasopharyngeal swab collection

Why do we use pharyngeal swab sampling？

Under normal circumstances, COVID-19 is transmitted through the air to the infected person’s nasal cavity or mouth. So this is why we should wear masks to prevent virus infection from the root.

Suppose we were unfortunately infected. The virus will enter the throat through the nose and mouth, and then enter the alveoli through the trachea and bronchus.

So one of the samples we do nucleic acid testing is alveolar lavage fluid. Even though this method has the highest detection accuracy, it can not be popularized due to the inconvenience of operation. In addition, deep expectoration is also used as a sample for nucleic acid detection. The so-called deep expectoration is the sputum from dry cough. However, it is unrealistic for patients to cough dry sputum anytime and anywhere, so it can not be popularized.

At this time, we need to use nasopharyngeal swabs and oropharyngeal swabs. It is the sample taken by the nurse sister from your nose or mouth when you do a nucleic acid test.

Because of the convenient operation and high accuracy, these two methods have been widely used. Now let me tell you about nasopharyngeal swabs.

the nasopharyngeal swab Sampling process

 

1. The operator holds the swab by the right hand and holds the head of the subject fixedly by the left hand. Put the swab downing backwards the bottom of the nasal cavity and penetrate slowly and gently. Do not overexert to avoid traumatic hemorrhage,

2. When the cusp of the flocked swab touches the paries posterior of the pharyngonasal cavity, letting the swab remain

in the place for a few seconds (about 3 seconds) and rotating the swab gently for one cycle, and then remove the swab slowly.

3. Put the swab head into the sampling tube.

4. Break the sampling swab along the breakpoint.

5. Put it into a safety bag and seal it for transportation.

Finally, although nasopharyngeal swabs and oropharyngeal swabs are convenient, the presence of the virus may not be detected due to the low content of the virus in oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal cells in some patients. In addition, some operational errors in high-intensity nucleic acid detection can not be avoided. Medical work is very hard and linked to life. Medical staff are under great pressure both psychologically and physically. What we need to give is more understanding.