Could anyone talk ms through the Covid 19 swab teat ?

[happilybemused]

Could anyone talk me through the Covid 19 swan test?

Is it really horrible.

Have to take it to be able to travel and don't know anyone who has taken it.

Thanks in advance

Cotton bud up your nose and at the back of your throat. It’s fine. I’ve had it twice.

Made me gag when I did it but not bad. A few seconds of something not comfortable that’s all. Then it’s done.

Throat bit makes you retch, nose is uncomfortable but ok. Over in a couple of minutes, wouldn’t want to do it every day but I also wouldn’t lose sleep over having one again.

Had it 4 times 🙄
It's uncomfortable but takes seconds

Swirl the swan around your tonsils (without touching any other part of your mouth) then up your nose for a good few swirls. That's it.

Had it this morning for the first time, I have a phobia of being sick so the throat bit was the worst for me, but it was over very quickly. Nose part was longer and a bit uncomfortable but ok. I wouldn't now worry if I had to have it done again

In order to be effective, you have to go right up the nose as far as you can, until you meet resistance. Otherwise you can get a false negative.

I was the opposite- throat swab was absolutely fine but nose swab made me profusely sneeze, which kept dislodging the swab. Overall it was fine though

Was nothing. And I am complete wuss. I'm glad people made it out to be so bad because it was a relief!

Thank you so much for all your replies.

We have the saliva test locally (Hampshire) but not admissible. Had all the back stories of how awful the swab test was.

Thanks again.

So what's worse - swab test or Smear test??

Smear

Excellent

It’s fine - had two and no problem

My very dramatic 6yr old DD had one yesterday and was absolutely fine. She didn't even complain which is very unlike her

Smear is definitely worse. I've had the covid test twice and I didn't have to worry about the state of my pubic hair

What I'm worried about is self administered and doing wrong. I'm unutterably feeble.

Remember the result is only valid for the day the test is taken on.
So even if you test negative that day it does not mean you cannot
pick up the virus the next or subsequent days
Nothing is sure with covid I'm afraid

@tobee there really is nothing to worry about.

If you touch anywhere in your mouth other than your tonsils that swab is void. Not a problem just ask for another swab.

If you spill the saline solution in the vial just ask for another.

We have lots of spares

The staff are there to help you.

I had a test yesterday at 1pm and the results were back before midnight.

It’s really not too bad at all, the throat swab made me cough because I get a terrible dry mouth but it wasn’t otherwise unpleasant, had a quick drink after and was fine. The nasal swab didn’t even register as something “strange” really.

I had mine admistered by a nurse at the hospital testing site prior to Spinal Surgery though so I couldn’t comment in what it’s like to self-administer in comparison.

I did one yesterday at 3pm and had my results back by 9.10am - negative

Was really quick and easy although obviously not particularly pleasant! Mine was a self administered test