What is the difference between a nasal swab and a throat swab

What is the difference between a nasal swab and a throat swab

The accuracy of detecting nasal swabs and throat swabs is usually the same. The main difference lies in the sampling method and sampling site. For nasal swabs, the nasal swab is mainly use to dip the secretions on the surface of the nasal mucosa inside the nasal cavity for detection. In fact, pharyngeal swabs are collect from the oropharynx for testing to determine whether the sampler is infect with the new coronavirus.

Under standardized operations, throat swabs and nasal swabs are two methods for collecting specimens. There is no difference in essence. Both are for collecting specimens from the pharynx. The difference is that one enters from the oral cavity, and the other is from the mouth. Enter the nasal cavity.

For throat swabs, the sampler can see the sample site, but it may cause nausea, vomiting, and other reactions, and because the pharyngeal virus content is affect by diet, drinking, and swallowing actions, it will affect it to a certain extent Throat swab detection rate.

When collecting nasal swab specimens, the swab will enter the nasal cavity. If the operation is standardize, it will cause less irritation to the mucous membrane. However, because the pharynx sampling position cannot be seen, the main reliance is on the sensory resistance of the hand. For those who require more technology, the tools use are more complex. If the operation is improper, it will cause some irritation to the nasal mucosa. Therefore, it is not recommended to do nasal swabs for patients with sinusitis and allergic rhinitis to avoid damage to the nasal cavity.

What is the difference between a nasal swab and a throat swab