How to Obtain a Nasal Mid-turbinate (NMT) Swab for COVID-19

While demand for COVID-19 testing increases, facilities must adapt methods to accommodate variable equipment, staffing, and supplies. The nasal mid-turbinate technique offers flexibility for use of larger swabs, reduced penetration into the nares, and high sensitivity for diagnosis of viral illness.

The patient tilts their head back slightly and closes their eyes. The technician places their non-dominant hand behind the patient’s head for stabilization. Holding the swab like a pencil closer to its mid-shaft, the technician inserts it into the right nostril approximately 2-2.5 cm from the swab tip, angling the swab up and out, or superolaterally. This way the swab reaches the roof of the mid-portion of the lower nasal turbinate, near the middle meatus. Once inserted, the swab is rotated for 5 seconds in this location. The technician avoids rotating the swab medially along the nasal septum, thereby preventing discomfort or bleeding. The procedure is repeated in the opposite nostril using the same swab.

[spring.got.slayed]

I had the test done this morning. For everyone wondering, it didn't really hurt and is only for a few seconds.
It kind of feels like when you got to the pool, and get water in your nose, or when your washing your face and some soap gets in your nose and it slightly burns for a few seconds. 🤗

[feokvft]

Had a test done last November, horrific, absolute torture! Had another one this morning, easiest test in the world, hardly felt a thing!!! Just goes to show, it depends on the tester and their technique! Good luck everyone and stay safe. 👍🏻💖

[Unlisted]

Let’s be honest we are all here because we are getting one in the future.

[titusdinkar]

Had a test few days ago at a drive in pop up Center here in Auckland NZ. I am not sure if the nurse who performed the swab test is experienced in doing this but the way she did was very painful. I felt like she poked my eye from the inside. Had severe headache and eye pain for more than a day. That was a horrible experience.

[krustynuggets]

not painful, very uncomfortable and made me tear up my nose still feels sore afterwards

[Nazaba]

I have chronic migraine and enlarged turbinates/deviated septum. Thank god I did research on this test and asked my dr. They told me this test is better for me than the other one and it won’t provoke a migraine or anything.

[ericm]

Why not swab a simple saliva sample? That's why we wear masks right because a droplet could have covid. Thanks in advance

[skatingbi]

im getting one tomorrow just to be safe and im prone to panic attacks so lets hope this doesnt trigger it lol

[debras]

Considering secretions from the nasal cavities run OUT of your nose I see no good reason why they need to shove that swab so far up. I’ve asked a number of physicians and nurses WHY and none of them have an answer other than it’s what they’re told to do

[claytoncoleiro]

To whoever is doing it for the first time, relax, you won't feel a thing. Did 4 swab tests so far and have another lined up this week.

Remember, cloee your eyes and relax.

[rei]

For the people who are getting tested, it doesn't hurt it just feels like water is in your nose for a couple of seconds

[pooja]

Very helpful video. Even if u r doing a rat test at home, u can follow these instructions for taking the nasal swab the correct way. I was probably taking the swab the wrong way and so my test was negative at first.
When I used the way they have shown my test was positive. Also, if u follow the instructions, doesn’t hurt at all

[boop]

I’ve done one already and it was hell 😭 now my school is requiring us to get it twice a month and I want to cry 😭

[rdStoneObliterum]

***NOBODY IS EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER DOING THAT TO ME***

[KawaiiKittenASMR]

I dont know what the people in the comments are talking about, it was very painful. The lady did it for 10 seconds straight counting extremely slowly while pushing the swab pack and forth.

[HaroldWilson]

I teared up pretty bad but it’s not painful

[kerinmarie]

What I want to know is how on earth did they discover that this is the only way to test?

[soulbaila]

I'm still confused and scared.. Some says you have to put the stick only 2, 5 cm and some put the stick unitl this breaking point (0:50).. So my question is, it is painful to someone has chronic sinusitis and allergy? My mucosa during the allergy season is already in pain..

[srijanaregmi]

Guys trust me I was so nervous before the test . But i never expected it to be that easy . I was just about to feel the discomfort and she took it out . It came out so fast . Go get your done . I had mine in throat and nose . No pain at all 😊

[tazj]

Getting my 1st test done tomorrow per my job 😠 but luckily I get to swab my own nose. Thank goodness