Is it possible to have a test throat swab only ?

[TeeAndXake]

Can it be just throats
and not the nose as well? Would it still be accurate ? I can’t have anything up my nose and worried it won’t be accurate or accepted

I had 2 tests done that was just throat swabs only so yes it is possible.

I have heard of this, or nose only, I guess it reduces the likelihood of accurate detection though?

If you have a medical reason for not having things in your nostril, I guess you should discuss it with a doctor or nurse?

That’s reassuring as I can’t have anything up there but need one before surgery.
I have some kind of vascular issue and my nose is terribly affected anything at all and it will bleed terribly and have needed hospital treatment in the past multiple times for it so really worries me

The nose adds to accuracy because most people breathe in through the nose, so any covid particles from airborne transmission would most likely be detected there.

But air passes through the nostrils, into the sinus, down the throat into the bronchi and then into the lungs so if it's in your nose it's likely in your throat too.

If you can't do the nose test, don't. But the instructions are such a way that it tries to maximise collection on the swab. Maybe give it a really good throat swap if you can tolerate that.

You know it's not right up your nose though? It's only half way up. If that makes a difference?

I'm the opposite, will gag and choke if anything is placed to the back of my throat. Ugh.

Would a nose only swab be accurate within reason then?

@Itsallthedramamick

You know it's not right up your nose though? It's only half way up. If that makes a difference?

My test at the hospital went right down my nose to my throat. Like this example

Those diagrams don't make sense, surely the swab has to bend upwards a way first!??

Anyway that's nothing like you have to do for self swab, and is not helpful to the OP I'd imagine!

Well mine was nothing like that! The throat bit wasn't nice and made me wretch a lot but the nose bit was just half way up and made me want to sneeze

My hospital-administered test was to the very back of my nose.

We only have throat ones in North Wales. I was told it was due to the laboratory’s not having the facility to check nasal swabs but don’t know how true that is.

I hate the look of those tests! I would probably rather stay home for 2 weeks and not see anyone at all than have one!

Yeah. It did sting and they had 2 nurses. One to hold you so you didn't wriggle away from it

But it was because I had an operation planned so no choice