During home isolation, should the nucleic acid test be taken from the nose or the throat?
May 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Getting a nucleic acid test refers to nucleic acid testing, where "nose" means nasopharyngeal swab and "throat" means oropharyngeal swab. During home quarantine, individuals undergoing nucleic acid testing can choose either a nasopharyngeal swab or an oropharyngeal swab. Nucleic acid is genetic material with unique characteristics; by collecting nucleic acids from the human body, it helps detect bacteria, parasites, and identify infectious pathogens.
Generally, "nucleic acid testing" refers to nucleic acid detection, with "nose" indicating nasopharyngeal swabs and "throat" indicating oropharyngeal swabs. For nucleic acid testing during home quarantine, either nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs can be chosen. The details are as follows:
1. Nasopharyngeal Swab
Nucleic acid is genetic material that is unique. By collecting nucleic acids from the human body, it becomes possible to detect bacteria or parasites carried within, thereby identifying infectious pathogens. A nasopharyngeal swab involves using a sterile swab to wipe the nasopharyngeal area and collect secretions from the local mucous membranes for testing.
2. Oropharyngeal Swab
Normally, the human oral cavity contains commensal bacterial flora without pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, in cases of suspected viral infection, secretions can be collected by swabbing the throat and tonsillar areas to help isolate pathogenic organisms and aid in disease diagnosis.
Although nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs differ in sampling location, their testing principles and detection accuracy are the same. Therefore, during home quarantine, individuals may choose either nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs for nucleic acid testing. However, this testing method cannot guarantee complete accuracy, so protective measures should still be maintained after testing.
