BIOBASE Nasal Swab PART2

During a nasopharyngeal swab:

You will tip your head back.

Your health care provider will insert a swab into your nostril until it reaches your nasopharynx (the upper part of your throat).

Your provider will rotate the swab and remove it.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations for a nasal swab.

Are there any risks to the test?

The test may tickle your throat or cause you to cough. A nasopharyngeal swab may be uncomfortable and cause coughing or gagging. All these effects are temporary.

What do the results mean?

Depending on your symptoms, you may have been tested for one or more types of infections.

A negative result means no harmful viruses or bacteria were found in your sample.

A positive result means a specific type of harmful virus or bacteria was found in your sample. It indicates you have a specific type of infection. If you are diagnosed with an infection, be sure to follow your provider's recommendations for treating your illness. This may include medicines and steps to prevent spreading the infection to others.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to stay in touch with your provider to find out the best way to take care of yourself and protect others from infection. To learn more, check the websites of the BIOBASE and your local health department.