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Taking the Pain Out of Coronavirus Testing (PCR Test)

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Thomas Shaw

For those suspected of getting COVID-19, a potentially painful nasopharyngeal swab collection (PCR assay for genetic viral material) is generally performed to confirm the presence of the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus inside the upper respiratory tract. This type of coronavirus test is often less painful with careful planning and appropriate pre-medication ahead of obtaining tested. Get additional data about pcr test near me



How Does Coronavirus Testing (PCR Swab) Work?

The testing procedure itself uses a swab covered with an absorbent material that may be pushed via the nose about 3 inches towards the back from the throat. The swab is then twirled about for about 15 seconds after which withdraw.



Because the nose is just not used to getting any object placed inside, most people find this to be psychologically unnerving and physically an incredibly uncomfortable process. In fact, when you usually do not experience some amount of discomfort through the procedure, the test in all probability was not performed appropriately major to unreliable results.



Is Coronavirus Testing (PCR) Painful?

Several distinctive sensations is often seasoned in the course of PCR testing for coronavirus. People have reported transient pain, deep burning inside the nose, gagging when the back from the throat is touched, sneezing, coughing and tearing due to the triggering of a nasal lacrimal reflex. In case you take place to possess a substantial septal deviation or have blocked nasal passages because of allergies, cold-like symptoms and or nasal polyps, it may be especially challenging to pass the nasal swab to the back on the throat.



How Can I Make Coronavirus Test (PRC) Much less Pain in My Nose?

One approach that may perhaps make the process easier will be to simply apply an over the counter nasal decongestant (0.05% oxymetazoline, brand name Afrin) inside the nose 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure. One drop to each and every nostril applied whilst lying down is normally adequate to decongest the nose to ensure that when the swab is passed, the nasal airway is maximally opened. This can avoid the swab pushing up against the walls on the nasal passageway causing pain and occasionally bleeding. By the time the swab is collected plus the coronavirus test is performed, there is quite little residual oxymetazoline left inside the airway to have an effect on the viability in the virus or have an impact on the assay. Furthermore, sneezing, coughing and tearing could possibly be prevented or lessened with taking an antihistamine 30-60 minutes just before the test.



Making the process of collecting nasal secretions via a nasopharyngeal swab simpler for the patient may possibly improve testing acceptability and enable for far better high-quality specimens for testing.

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