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Original poster

Concerned about swab up my nose!

19 replies

Definitelynotlazy · 08/01/2021 23:23

Hi. I work in a school and we are expected to have weekly lateral flow tests.
I've been told that if it is positive it will need to be confirmed with the PCR test which I believe is administered by a trained professional deep into nasal cavity. I seriously cannot have someone do that to me (nasty experience with ng tube and have a genuine fear).
Is there an alternative? Can I do it myself so I have control?

OP posts:
JanuaryChill · 08/01/2021 23:28

Testing stations always give you the option of doing it yourself. In fact most don't have anyone doing it for you.

So absolutely no need to worry.

(You do realise that for the LFT you have to swab yourself too, don't you?)

Doublechins · 08/01/2021 23:28

You can do them yourself

JanuaryChill · 08/01/2021 23:30

The instructions (for PCR and LFT) only say to do it until moderate resistance is felt, iirc - not that deep at all.

Original poster
Definitelynotlazy · 08/01/2021 23:35

Quite okay (not delighted but okay Hmm ) to do it myself as I would feel in control, but was told by our business manager that if it was a confirmatory PCR test at a testing centre they did it for you.
However, I'm not aware she definitely knows that for a fact!

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 08/01/2021 23:41

I'm not belittling how you feel in any way, but I had a test today and the nose swab was nothing like as bad as I feared it would be. No pain and no discomfort other than it making my eyes water, and it was over in literally seconds. I wouldn't have been able to do it for myself, you're very brave if you can.

LawnFever · 08/01/2021 23:44

I had a test last week and you’re given the option of doing it yourself, just say that’s what you want to do - it’s the same test I don’t see how they can enforce you having it a particular way

Original poster
Definitelynotlazy · 08/01/2021 23:47

Thanks that's reassuring. I've never had any symptoms or contact, so been lucky and never had to have a test before now but had heard some horror stories from colleagues who had.

I'm okay to comply, my mum died from Covid recently, so I know it can be serious for those with co-morbidities, but I'm not a big fan of people sticking things inside me!!!

OP posts:
LionLily · 08/01/2021 23:50

I have to do two PCR tests and two LfTs a week for work. All are self administered, the PCR I do both the throat and nose, the LFT i do just one or the other.
The nasal swab is no problem at all, you really don't need to go as far up as you think. The throat swab still makes me retch, but it's over and done with in a split second.
The locker room is a cacophony of retches just before each shift change! We have all learned not to be offended.

BlackeyedSusan · 09/01/2021 02:37

nose swab is fine... the throat swab though...needs a technique

vodkaredbullgirl · 09/01/2021 02:43

I get swabbed every week, just makes my eyes water, sometimes sneezing fit. The throat 1 always makes me gag, hate it but has to be done.

RockPaperScissorLizardSpock · 09/01/2021 02:44

I can’t add anything different to the reassuring comments previous posters have already given you re: the swabbing process, but I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your recent bereavement OP.

Torvean32 · 09/01/2021 05:20

I've had the test done. The throat swab was worse.
The nasal swab does not go in as deep as ppl are saying. I'm a nurse and i regularly passed NG tubes. The nasal swab does not go to the stsge where it stings, or makes you gag.

2020BogOff · 09/01/2021 06:02

If you can do it yourself then opt to do that. The testing stations I have been to give you the option.

The throat makes me gag but the nose was ok but it does help that you are in control so if it's a bit much I stop and then do it again (e.g. when gagging for the throat). All of mine have come back fine e.g. not inconclusive so I must have got enough of a sample.

Original poster
Definitelynotlazy · 09/01/2021 07:04

Thank you for your replies. Oddly, not too worried about the throat swab, it's the nose one, but if I can be in control I can get over that.

Thank you @RockPaperScissorLizardSpock . It's been difficult x

OP posts:
LovingLen · 09/01/2021 08:15

I also worry about this as I get nosebleeds, mainly from just one nostril, I think I must have a weakness in there, is the swab to go up both nostrils or just one so I could choose the good side and does blood affect the test at all

2020BogOff · 09/01/2021 08:18

@LovingLen

I also worry about this as I get nosebleeds, mainly from just one nostril, I think I must have a weakness in there, is the swab to go up both nostrils or just one so I could choose the good side and does blood affect the test at all
One nostril and if there is any blood on the swob you call them over to get another one.
Sforsh49 · 09/01/2021 08:25

The nose swab only goes as high as you feel resistance. It made my eyes water but it was fine. At the drive through COVID testing centres you do it yourself, so if you need a PCR test book a drive thru if you can then you're in control and can take your time x

inquietant · 09/01/2021 08:28

Flowers as I understand how grim it is when previous experiences affect you with things other people find routine.

I was also very worried, but I managed and it was nowhere near as bad as I expected.

I was very clear with the person doing the test that I had a real issue and please could they wait until I had done a few deep breaths and gave them the thumbs up.

Good luck .

LovingLen · 09/01/2021 08:32

Thank you 2020BogOff, I hopefully should be fine if it is just one side.

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