Is nasal swabbing for antigen testing uncomfortable?

Nasal antigen testing may cause mild discomfort, but significant discomfort usually results from improper technique during sampling. It is therefore recommended that the test be performed by a trained professional. The specific steps for antigen testing are as follows:

Tilt your head slightly backward. With one hand, hold the swab by its handle and gently insert the tip into one nostril, following the floor of the lower nasal passage. Advance it slowly 1–1.5 cm into the nasal cavity, then rotate the swab against the nasal mucosa for at least four full turns (for no less than 15 seconds). Repeat the same procedure in the other nostril using the same swab.

Immediately place the swab into the collection tube containing preservation solution and rotate it for at least 30 seconds to ensure thorough mixing.

While holding the collection tube, firmly squeeze the swab tip against the inner wall of the tube at least five times to extract as much fluid as possible. Then discard the swab and securely cap the tube. Finally, dispense the liquid vertically into the specimen well of the test cassette. Interpret the result within the specified time frame.

When reading the test cassette, note the following: If no red or purple control line (“C”) appears—regardless of whether a test line (“T”) is visible—the result is invalid and the test must be repeated.

If a red or purple control line (“C”) appears but no test line (“T”) is visible, the result is negative.

If both the control line (“C”) and test line (“T”) appear as red or purple bands—even if the “T” band is faint—the result is positive.