Does menstruation affect nucleic acid testing for the novel coronavirus?

Under normal circumstances, menstruation does not affect the results of nucleic acid testing for the novel coronavirus. However, special discomfort during menstruation may impact the testing experience. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Nucleic acid testing for the novel coronavirus primarily involves collecting respiratory samples (such as throat or nasal swabs) to detect the presence of viral genetic fragments. Menstruation is a cyclical physiological process of the female reproductive system and does not alter the presence of the virus in the respiratory tract or interfere with the laboratory testing procedure. Therefore, it generally does not affect the accuracy of test results, and testing can proceed normally during menstruation.

If severe menstrual symptoms such as intense cramps, dizziness, or fatigue occur, these may exacerbate physical discomfort during the testing process—for example, due to mild irritation from a throat swab. However, this does not influence the test result itself. In such cases, individuals may adjust their testing time based on their physical condition: if medically appropriate, they may wait until symptoms subside before being tested; if urgent testing is required, they should inform medical staff beforehand so that more comfortable procedures can be provided.

There is no need to conceal the fact of being on menstruation when undergoing nucleic acid testing. If experiencing significant discomfort, individuals may communicate with testing site staff in advance to request priority service. After testing, attention should be paid to staying warm to avoid worsening menstrual discomfort due to cold exposure. Test results should be based solely on the official laboratory report—there is no need to question the accuracy of results because of menstruation.