Taking the test will feel a little uncomfortable and uncommon for most people.
Stay calm and relax as you go through the process. If possible, do a mock practice without using any of the testing materials.
Refer to the following link for swab test video demonstration at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WayjX6vCdk
This is for Covid-19 PCR Swab home test kits in the UK. Exact models may vary.
The process:
- Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.
- Clean and dry a surface and then place the home test kit items on it.
- Use the test kit checklist on page 10 to make sure you have everything.
- Look inside the mouth, and find the tonsils at the back of the throat.
Tonsils or where they would have been (if they are removed) are where you will swab the sample.
If you’re performing this on yourself use a mirror to help.
If you’re doing this for someone else, use a torch to help. - Gently blow your/their nose and cough into a tissue. This is so that excess mucus does not interfere with the test. Throw the tissue away in a closed bin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.
- Open the package and gently take out the swab. This will be used for both tonsils and nose.
Important
Do not touch your tongue, teeth, cheeks, gums, or any other surfaces with the fabric tip of the swab. If it touches anything else, it may spoil your sample.
Taking the sample may cause gagging and minor discomfort, but it - Holding the swab in your hand, open the mouth wide and gently rub the swab over both tonsils at the back of the throat for 10 seconds (use a torch and/or mirror to help you do this). Remove the swab from the back of the throat.
- Put the same end of the same swab gently into the nostril about 2.5cm (1 inch) or until you feel some resistance. Rotate the swab for 10-15 seconds and slowly remove it. Repeat for the other nostril.
- Put the swab into the vial with the tip facing down. Snap off the stick end, so that it fits inside without bending. Securely screw the lid onto the vial so that no liquid can leak.
- Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, using soap and warm water.
- First place the sample in the outer tube and put the outer tube in the bag ( supplied with the Kit).
- Seal the bag.
- Place the sealed bag into the biohazard bag (Supplied with the Kit).
- Put the Biohazard bag in UN3373 postal bag (Supplied with the Kit), write the address of our lab if its not already pre-written, pay the postage and return via royal mail priority boxes.
- If returning your text over the weekend, please ensure that you use the royal mail priority box near your home that offers weekend collection service.
- Take the picture or note the barcode on your Royal Mail return label so you can track the delivery.
- Finally, email us the date and time you collected the sample at cservices@nxhealthcare.co.uk.
You are now ready to post your test-kit.