For nucleic acid testing, pharyngeal swabs are collected at the tonsils and in the pharynx. The process of taking a pharyngeal swab is relatively simple and quick, and the basic steps include.
1. Ask the subject to sit up, remove the mask, tilt the head back slightly and open the mouth wide.
2. Sampling personnel use tongue depressor to gently press the tongue, and use the pharyngeal swab to repeatedly wipe the posterior wall of the pharynx and tonsil crypts, side walls, etc. 3-5 times.
3. Remove the pharyngeal swab, avoiding touching other parts of the body during the process.
4. Place the pharyngeal swab into the sampling device.
The pharyngeal swab collection process should also pay attention to the following matters.
1. Avoid making long “ahs” during the sampling process to minimize the risk of occupational exposure to the sampling staff.
2. Avoid eating two hours prior to the collection of the throat swab specimen to prevent vomiting during the sampling process.