Are there nucleic acid tests using anal swabs?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, nucleic acid testing may include anal swabs. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene by washing hands frequently and keeping them clean, wearing masks properly when going out, and avoiding crowded places. Pay attention to eating a light and balanced diet, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism, maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late, and engage in moderate exercise to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
In general, nucleic acid testing may include anal swabs. The specific analysis is as follows:
For certain individuals, respiratory virus shedding is low or highly variable, making nasal pharyngeal swabs and oral pharyngeal swabs more likely to yield false-negative results. Viral nucleic acids remain detectable for a longer duration in fecal matter or perianal secretions collected via anal swabs, resulting in a relatively higher probability of detecting positive cases. This method helps compensate for the limitations of respiratory specimens, especially benefiting precise screening of high-risk populations and enabling more comprehensive identification of infections, thereby reducing the risk of missed diagnoses. The collection procedure is performed by trained professionals to ensure standardized practices and protect personal privacy.
It is important to maintain good personal hygiene in daily life—wash hands frequently and keep them clean, wear masks properly when outdoors, and avoid crowded places. Pay attention to eating a light and balanced diet, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism, maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late, and engage in moderate exercise appropriately to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
