Can an autistic teen do a nose only PCR?

[BewareTheRedNosedDragon]

I know that younger children can. He is 14, and has severe sensory issues. He's had to do one before and he found the throat so traumatic it took 30 mins and he was distraught by the end. I know I can ask at the test site, but it's so hard to hear and communicate through a closed car window. Does anyone know if nose only would be ok in these circs?

Nobody watches you through the car window. Realistically if he’s infected, nose swabbing is probably enough to pick it up. Perhaps he could swab both nostrils. I wouldn’t bother asking at the test centre, just crack on and do it.

I did a nose only PCR at a walk in testing centre. I just told the person that I can't do my throat as my gag reflex is so strong, and they said I could just do my nose. I did both nostrils and it came back positive - so it obviously worked!

I think you do both nostrils if you don’t do the throat

Brilliant - thanks! I know it's both nostrils for nose only, have had to test the younger dc already 🤦‍♀️

Yes, we do this with an autistic teen at home.

The packs we order online are actually only nasal swabs and we keep them for our autistic children.