COVID-19 has flipped the world on its head. Even worse, new and contradictory material is released every day. As you traverse this new reality, you keep up with the news as well as you can, always wear a face mask, and maintain a safe distance in public. Unfortunately, despite these proactive measures, you may still get COVID-19. So, what should you do when your first tingle or a sore throat appears, or you cough several times and begin examining (and over examining) every mild feeling you experience, unsure if you are suffering from coronavirus? Thankfully, there is a test for this. Even though it is one of the most effective COVID-19 testing techniques, most people dislike the concept of a nasal swab. Read on to discover more about Ham Lake nasal swab, including what to expect with the procedure.
What Exactly Is A COVID Nasal Swab Test?
COVID tests involving a nasal swab are molecular tests that use PCR. These swabs harvest mucus from your body to screen for the virus’s genetic makeup.
Your GatherWell COVID Testing physician guides you to turn your head back nearly 70 degrees to obtain a sample with a nasal swab. The swab, which is around six inches long, is then carefully inserted into the nose.
At this point, your physician swirls the swab for about 15 seconds. Your specialist then repeats the procedure on the opposite end of the swab to ensure that they have a sufficient sample to analyze.
After this procedure is complete, your physician sends the swab sample to the clinic’s in-house lab for testing. Your findings will be available as quickly as 6-12 hours.
What Is The Procedure For Testing Nasal Swabs?
GatherWell COVID testing adheres to a set series of steps in its in-house laboratory to test your obtained nose swab sample for the existence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19. Here is an overview of the procedure:
• Extraction
Initially, your staff dips your nasal swab into a chemical solution. This solution has a blend of chemicals, which isolates the RNA (genetic makeup) of any existing viruses.
• Conversion of RNA
The next step converts the RNA of the existing virus into DNA using chemicals known as probes and primers, in tandem with a sophisticated machine. After the staff obtains the DNA, they generate millions of clones for extensive testing.
• DNA interaction
If your swab sample has SARS-CoV-2 DNA, it will adhere to particular probes. Once this occurs, the chemical flashes a light that the gadget can identify.
• Determination
The machine will mark your finding as affirmative if it recognizes this light. If not, your finding is marked as negative. After your physician obtains these findings, they will contact you to inform you about the findings.
Do Nasal Swabs Cause Discomfort?
A nasal swab is unpleasant. Despite their terrible reputation, most people agree that nasal swabs are not particularly uncomfortable. Rather, when you receive your swab, anticipate some mild to moderate discomfort and some slight pressure. You might also have transient, modest reactions such as:
· Watery eyes
· Coughing
· Gagging
· A burning feeling inside your nose
Nonetheless, you should bear in mind that some persons are more sensitive to pain than others; hence, you may experience slightly more discomfort. Besides, some individuals experience minor nose bleeding or lasting discomfort following the test, which usually subsides shortly.
Although they may be unpleasant, nasal swabs are a rapid and efficient technique to determine if you have COVID-19. If you want a coronavirus test but are nervous about the nose swab, schedule an appointment with GatherWell COVID Testing. The physicians provide delicate, rapid, and expert nasal swabs at-home and in-office. Call the office near you or use the online scheduling tool to get started right away.