Lower nasal swab self-collection
Please carefully read and follow all directions.
It’s important that you complete the test steps as carefully as possible to ensure your specimen can be processed in the lab.
Step 1: Blow nose and wash hands*
In order to get a good specimen, it’s important that both your nose and hands are clean.
Using a clean tissue, gently blow your nose and clear out any additional debris in both nostrils.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
*Blowing your nose is not necessary for sample collection. Please also note that it may not be appropriate to blow your nose in settings where others could be exposed to viral particles released in this process. Please follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.
Step 2: Open nasal swab
Remove the nasal swab from the wrapper by pulling the ends of the wrapper apart (like you would to open a band-aid).
Be careful to only touch the swab handle, not the tip.
Step 3: Swab both nostrils
Note: Children should be swabbed by an adult, especially those under 15 years of age.
Gently insert the entire soft tip of the swab into the first nostril until you feel a bit of resistance.
Insert less than 1 inch into the nostril for adults and less than 1/2 an inch for younger children.
Using medium pressure, rub the swab slowly in a circular motion around the inside wall of your nostril four times.
The swab tip should be touching the inside wall of the nostril through each rotation.
Repeat the same process with the same swab in the other nostril.
Download nasal swab animation.
In the new window, right-click (option-click) the animation and choose “Save image as.”
Step 4: Put swab in tube
While holding the swab, open the tube.
Put the swab tip first into the tube.
Screw the cap back onto the tube tightly.
Wash your hands again with soap and water.
Get a print-ready file of these instructions
Your Responsibility. By using these instructions, you are solely responsible for self-administering the nasal swab and agree to follow the instructions provided. Audere and its affiliates take no responsibility for the mis-application of the instructions or any injuries, damages, losses, or expenses that may result to you or to a third party arising from, in connection with, or related to the nasal swab administration.