Correct method for breaking a throat swab
Oct 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
The examinee should perform oral hygiene before collection to avoid abnormal sampling. During collection, use a pharyngeal swab to wipe the pharynx, tonsillar fossae, and lateral walls three times respectively. Place the pharyngeal swab vertically into the specimen tube without touching the rim of the tube to prevent contamination. Handle carefully when placing into the transport container to prevent leakage.
A pharyngeal swab refers to using a sterilized, medical-grade long cotton swab to collect a small amount of secretion from the throat of the person being tested, followed by testing for respiratory viruses. The correct procedure for breaking the pharyngeal swab and collecting the sample is as follows:
1. Ask the examinee to sit or stand with their head tilted backward and mouth opened wide to expose the pharynx.
2. The sampler uses a tongue depressor to press down and stabilize the tongue. Note: This step may be omitted if the oropharynx is sufficiently exposed.
3. Pass the cotton swab of the pharyngeal swab beyond the base of the tongue, and swab each of the following areas three times: the posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsillar fossae, and lateral walls.
4. Place the swab into viral transport medium, and use the tube cap to snap off the swab shaft, ensuring it is completely contained within the tube.
5. Tighten the cap securely, label the specimen properly, and seal it inside a plastic bag.
6. Send the specimen to the laboratory promptly for testing.
