It is possible to undergo the new coronavirus nucleic acid test after eating, and the accuracy of the test results will not be affected. However, it is recommended that the new coronavirus nucleic acid test be done at an interval of more than 2 hours after eating, to avoid nausea and vomiting due to the irritation of the pharynx during the testing process.
Fasting is not required for the new coronavirus nucleic acid test; because this nucleic acid test is generally conducted by means of throat swab sampling, what needs to be detected is the presence of RNA specific to the new coronavirus in the subject’s secretions, and the content of this virus is not directly related to diet.
However, because China currently uses a throat swab for the new coronavirus nucleic acid test, the process of collecting the sample may lead to irritation of the throat, causing nausea as well as vomiting and other symptoms, so it is recommended that the examinee undergo the test about 2 hours after eating.
In addition, if the test results are positive, it is important for the patient to cooperate with the quarantine and treatment.