For all those suspected of having COVID-19, a potentially painful nasopharyngeal swab collection (PCR assay for genetic viral material) is usually completed to confirm the presence from the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus inside the upper respiratory tract. This kind of coronavirus test could be less painful with cautious planning and suitable pre-medication prior to acquiring tested.



How Does Coronavirus Testing (PCR Swab) Work?

The testing process itself uses a swab covered with an absorbent material that is definitely pushed via the nose about 3 inches towards the back on the throat. The swab is then twirled around for about 15 seconds and then withdraw.



Because the nose isn't used to obtaining any object placed inside, most people uncover this to be psychologically unnerving and physically a very uncomfortable process. In actual fact, in the event you don't experience some amount of discomfort throughout the procedure, the test probably was not accomplished properly leading to unreliable outcomes.



Is Coronavirus Testing (PCR) Painful?

Quite a few diverse sensations is often experienced during PCR testing for coronavirus. People have reported transient pain, deep burning inside the nose, gagging when the back on the throat is touched, sneezing, coughing and tearing due to the triggering of a nasal lacrimal reflex. When you happen to possess a substantial septal deviation or have blocked nasal passages due to allergies, cold-like symptoms and or nasal polyps, it might be particularly difficult to pass the nasal swab for the back with the throat.



How Can I Make Coronavirus Test (PRC) Less Pain in My Nose?

One approach that might make the process simpler is to merely apply an more than the counter nasal decongestant (0.05% oxymetazoline, brand name Afrin) inside the nose 30 to 60 minutes prior to the procedure. One drop to every single nostril applied even though lying down is usually sufficient to decongest the nose to ensure that when the swab is passed, the nasal airway is maximally opened. This could avert the swab pushing up against the walls with the nasal passageway causing pain and at times bleeding. By the time the swab is collected as well as the coronavirus test is performed, there's very small residual oxymetazoline left inside the airway to influence the viability of the virus or have an effect on the assay. Also, sneezing, coughing and tearing may be prevented or lessened with taking an antihistamine 30-60 minutes prior to the test.



Producing the process of collecting nasal secretions by way of a nasopharyngeal swab less complicated for the patient may perhaps boost testing acceptability and allow for superior excellent specimens for testing.