Description of test Specimens are obtained from the back of the nose and the throat using a cotton-tipped swab. Cough before collection begins. Tilt head backward. Operator gently passes the swab into the nostril and nasopharynx. Swab is rotated for about 5 seconds to collect germs then removed.
Swab is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
After the test Immediate post-test care None. Activity after test Resume taking any medications that were withheld before the test. Return to pretest activities right away. Time before test results available 2 or 3 days for bacterial tests or fungal tests. Viral tests take 1 to 2 weeks.