Anyone taken part in the ICL Covid 19 home testing study?

[TattiePants]

We’ve received a letter today to say DS has been selected to take part in the Covid 19 antibody test for ICL. It’s a nose and throat swab that we’ll have to do at home. He has sensory processing disorder so before we agree to it, I was wondering how unpleasant it is. Anyone carried one out on themselves or their child?

I did one on myself a test centre. It wasn't pleasant as it makes you gag a bit. But if that wouldn't be a big issue then it's ok.

So you have to swab where both tonsils are or were and the back of the throat for 10 secs I think. Then the nose after.

Thanks @Habbyhadno. It’s a tricky one. things I think he’ll struggle with don’t bother him at all but other things (having sun cream applied) leads to a complete meltdown. He’s 13 so ultimately it’ll be his decision.

I've done a home test and wouldn't recommend it unless you had to. The throat swab was unpleasant but manageable however I very much doubt I did the nose swab correctly, very unnatural sticking something that's been in your mouth up your nose. I dont think I went far enough but I could still 'feel' it after. I'm fine with giving blood etc but this felt very strange.

I did it, not an antibody test but antigen test if its the one I did (I think!). If he struggles with having sun cream applied I wouldnt do this, its not horrendous, just a bit unpleasanti for a few seconds.

We've just done it with my 5 year old, we explained what it was for and he agreed to do it, we also bribed with a fun game afterwards. I got him to do the nose swab himself, and I did the throat swab. I was able to briefly swab but not for the full 15s, so I don't know if the sample will be good enough. A doctor friend reassured me that they check for human DNA, so they can tell the difference between a rubbish sample and a negative one.

I'd previously done it on myself (for the Zoe app) and I found it weird rather than unpleasant. Would your DS be capable of doing it himself?

@duckchick he’s 13 so definitely capable just not sure how willing he’ll be. I still have to put suntan lotion on him, cut his nails etc as although he’s able to do it himself, he hates the feeling. My DM has also been selected so I could try to get him to do it himself at the same time.

Me and my children were tested for covid a few weeks ago. We sat in the car and did it ourselves. My 10 year old couldn't quite being herself to swab the back of her throat so I did it for her, she managed up her nose though. I did both for my 8 year old. It was fine.

I'd say if he has sensory issues then give it a miss. My 10yo really didn't like it. She initially agreed, but really disliked the sensation when it got to it.

The instructions do say rub the tonsils for 10 seconds, then stick the same end of the swab up a nostril so it's not pleasant.

I report to a corvid 19 hospital study online everyday. I was asked to request a swab test kit as they wanted to know whether the virus remains in your body after you have recovered (I was reporting before, during and after having the virus ).I didn't think I would manage very well as you have to swab your tonsils (not even sure what they look like!) but must not touch your teeth or gums on the way in. I did it ok. Then you swab one nostril and that went ok too. Neither swabbing was uncomfortable at all.

I did it today. I didn't find the nose swab too bad - made my eyes water a little. The throat swab made me gag a couple of times. A bit uncomfortable. Part of the research test.