Collection Procedure of Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab

1. Instruct the patient to remove the mask and remove the secretions at the front of the nasal cavity; Open the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab package.
2. Instruct the patient to tilt his head gently back to make it easier for the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab to pass through the nasal passage. Gently insert the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab vertically into one nostril and slowly push the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab forward along the nasal septum until resistance is felt. If it is difficult to push, exit and adjust the angle before pushing.
3. Leave the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab standing for a few seconds (or rotate it in place for several times) to fully absorb the mucus, and then slowly return the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab while rotating the handle.
4. Ask the patient to put on the face mask again.

How can I tell if a Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab has actually probed the posterior pharyngeal wall?

• Estimate Depth:

Before opening the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab package, estimate the distance between the nostril and the anterior end of the auricle as the depth of the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab entering the nasal passage when it touches the posterior pharyngeal wall. According to this depth, traces can be left in the corresponding position on the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab handle in advance, which is convenient for reference during operation.

• When resistance is felt in advance:

If you feel resistance when pushing the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab before reaching the estimated depth, you can retreat slightly, change the angle slightly to bring the Nylon Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab closer to the lower wall of the nasal passage, and try to push forward again.

Reference - CDC guidance on specimen collection for COVID-19 testing (last updated on 2020.04.29)

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html