Nasopharyngeal swab

A nasopharyngeal swab is a sample of secretions from the uppermost part of the throat, behind the nose, which I used to test for the presence of disease-causing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Prior to the swab, the individual will be asked to cough and then tilt their head back. A sterile cotton-tipped swab is passed through the nostril and into the nasopharynx, the part of the pharynx that covers the roof of the mouth. The swab is quickly rotated and removed.