Скачать или смотреть How To Properly Perform A Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimen

Proper technique for obtaining a nasopharyngeal swab specimen is of utmost importance. The tests for viral pathogens is only as good as the specimen collected. With the onset of COVID-19, maximizing sensitivities and minimizing the false negative results is imperative. It is unfortunate that most caregivers performing a NP swab have been given improper or incorrect training on the anatomy and collection method. This results in a nasal specimen rather than and a nasopharyngeal specimen decreasing the sensitivities.

Coronavirus drive thru testing with patient in a car seat makes it even harder to collect the sample. Patients are a poor position making sampling more difficult. Given an improper sample, false negative test results are higher and patients are then told they do not have Covid when they actually do! This training video points out the necessary anatomy and common mistakes involved with performing a nasopharyngeal swab.

For those looking to improve their sensitivities and testing performance see also the video on proper nasopharyngeal aspiration technique. Patient should receive proper technique if going through this process and should demand a properly performed NP swab or better yet a nasopharyngeal aspirate thereby minimizing false negative results.