Top tips for Covid test please

[Shieldingending]

I need to have a covid test tomorrow, any tips? I have a very strong gag reflex, I can be sick cleaning my back teeth some days so I'm worried I won't be able to do the tonsil swab properly.

I'm the same!
I did it a couple of weeks ago and whilst not pleasant, it isn't as bad as you'd think and I had a nice helper directing operations at the door!
Instead of just going straight for the back of the tonsils, I 'crept' it down one side. Just make sure you avoid your tongue.They ask you to swipe back and forth and I did gag and my eyes watered, but it's only for a few seconds.
Going up the nostril, I was told to keep going until you met resistance. Again, unpleasant, but I went nice and slow and it was ok.
I think the trick is to do it gently and slowly. I would hate to have it done on me, controlling it yourself is much better. Take a couple of deep breaths to try and relax before you start.
Good luck, it will be over quickly!

I'm the same. Had one this week. The guy talking me through was fab. He said they need 10 seconds min of contact at the back of the throat but it doesn't have to be continuous. So if you can only manage 3 seconds - fine. Bring the swab out, catch your breath, then go back in.

Thank you both

Sides not middle of throat. It can be taken out and in between so allow a gag if necessary and swab again. Twist the stick as you rub. Don’t panic. Breathe.

Try this technique

I'd love to be able to give you some tips. Unfortunately I threw up during both of mine. I think I'd have found it easier someone else doing it for me so I could've closed my eyes and held my breath whilst my throat was being swabbed. I did hold my breath but I think because I could see it touching my tonsils that triggered me off too

throat: we were allowed to drive to a different part of the car park to test.

used the vanity mirror in the car... open mouth very wide and ahhhed until I could see tonsils and what aiming for. then down one side, quick wipe, down other side quick wipe, rest, repeat until you have reached the time needed. little by little was the way to go. then I did both nostrils to be sure. (kid was allowed to do two nostrils at their first test which we have repeated subsequently.)

I managed and it's just come back negative!! Hacking cough and temp must be a normal winter bug

Well done and good news!
I went because of a cold that developed into a cough and awful sinus headaches.
Negative too, it was a relief although shows the usual bugs are still out there and very watchable!

*catchable! Auto correct

Congratulations on your negative result OP. Do you have to clean/sterilise your nasal passages and throat area before testing? I read (somewhere) that you do, but, now can't find the article again. TIA

You have to blow you nose first but that's all.

Also I had to do one on my 2 year old who obviously can't blow his nose and they said that was fine and it was still a valid test.