People claim that the method helped make the Omicron variant more detectable.
Still, many are left wondering whether swabbing the throat should become part of our normal at-home testing routine.
Verywell asked experts to weigh in.
Are Throat Swabs Better?
That doesnt necessarily mean the throat would be better than the nose.
If you are about to use anat-home rapid test kit, follow the instructions indicated on the package.
If you plan on swabbing your throat anyway, double-check you’re at least swabbing your nose as well.
Should You Try Swabbing Your Throat Anyway?
It is not recommended practice, Campbell said.
I have to emphasize that nobodys actually done a scientific study of nose versus throat [swabs].
If you absolutely feel compelled by the lack-of-evidence to swab your throat, swab it and your nose.
Use the same swab and test.
Dont waste terribly scarce tests on this nonsense.
They used aFlowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test, which required nose swabs only.
Do not substitute throat for nose, Campbell said.
Furthermore, doing this could contaminate the specimen, Pancholi said.
Self-collection of throat swabs is more complicated and should be collected by a trained professional when needed.
So, What Should You Do?
The FDA advises following instructions and collecting the test specimens as indicated.
Collecting an inadequate sample may lead to false negatives.
I think thoroughly swabbing up in the nose where the juice is, is more important than maybe-doing-the-throat.
Right now, dont go out and be with people if youre symptomatic.
This should be the rule going forward regardless of COVIDdont infect your friends.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
GOV.UK.How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.SARS-CoV-2 Viral Mutations: Impact on COVID-19 Tests.
