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Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova...ose-throat-rapid-test-more-accurate-1.6322961
Using rapid tests? N.S. Health now recommends swabbing both throat and nose
Combined swab detected 88.7% of cases compared to 64.5% from nasal or throat swab alone
CBC News · Posted: Jan 21, 2022 12:29 PM AT | Last Updated: January 21
Nova Scotia health officials suggest nose, throat swabs for better rapid test results
17 hours ago
Health officials in Nova Scotia are recommending a swab of both the nose and throat for more accurate rapid test results. In the U.S., experts are cautioning against a throat swab. 2:02
Researchers with Nova Scotia Health's microbiology team have found that collecting samples from both the throat and the nose makes for a more accurate rapid test result than just by nose swab alone.
The research project was designed after a public discussion theorizing that a combined sample might produce more accurate results.
"But because that's not currently recommended by the manufacturers, we wanted to actually investigate that possibility before we made those recommendations," said Dr. Todd Hatchette, chief of the microbiology division in the department of pathology and laboratory medicine for Nova Scotia Health.
"Based on what we found — if you were worried about Omicron if you have symptoms — if you have an antigen test, swab your throat first and then swab both of your nostrils and use that as your sample."
How to swab throat correctly
To swab your throat, it's best to use the help of a mirror and stick the swab right to the back of the throat, past the tongue and tonsils, and rub it back and forth about five times.
"It may make you gag but that usually means you're in the right spot," said Hatchette...
Using rapid tests? N.S. Health now recommends swabbing both throat and nose
Combined swab detected 88.7% of cases compared to 64.5% from nasal or throat swab alone
CBC News · Posted: Jan 21, 2022 12:29 PM AT | Last Updated: January 21
Nova Scotia health officials suggest nose, throat swabs for better rapid test results
17 hours ago
Health officials in Nova Scotia are recommending a swab of both the nose and throat for more accurate rapid test results. In the U.S., experts are cautioning against a throat swab. 2:02
Researchers with Nova Scotia Health's microbiology team have found that collecting samples from both the throat and the nose makes for a more accurate rapid test result than just by nose swab alone.
The research project was designed after a public discussion theorizing that a combined sample might produce more accurate results.
"But because that's not currently recommended by the manufacturers, we wanted to actually investigate that possibility before we made those recommendations," said Dr. Todd Hatchette, chief of the microbiology division in the department of pathology and laboratory medicine for Nova Scotia Health.
"Based on what we found — if you were worried about Omicron if you have symptoms — if you have an antigen test, swab your throat first and then swab both of your nostrils and use that as your sample."
How to swab throat correctly
To swab your throat, it's best to use the help of a mirror and stick the swab right to the back of the throat, past the tongue and tonsils, and rub it back and forth about five times.
"It may make you gag but that usually means you're in the right spot," said Hatchette...