# Oro/Nasopharyngeal Swabbing

## Overview

This module describes how to swab the oropharynx or nasopharynx.

## Indications

## Contraindications

## Patient information and consent

Always verify your patient’s identity and obtain informed consent before proceeding.

### How do I explain this procedure?

“I need to check for infections in your nose or throat by taking a swab of the back of your throat through your mouth/nose. We will send this swab to the lab for testing.”

### What can my patient expect?

“The swab looks like a long earbud. I will touch it to your tonsils and the back of your throat, OR the back of your nose. You may feel like gagging, OR it may burn a bit, but it will be more uncomfortable than painful.”

### What is my patient’s role?

“Keep your mouth open and relax your tongue. Try not to move while I take the specimen.”

## Preparation

###

### Documentation

### Equipment

## Site & Positioning

Position the patient seated, preferably with their head against a headrest and tilted slightly backwards.

## Procedure

Follow medical asepsis with appropriate PPE.

### Oropharyngeal swab

### Nasopharyngeal swab

## Troubleshooting

I am meeting resistance before my swab is inserted to the estimated depth.

Make sure you are advancing in the horizontal plane and not upwards. Rotate the swab and try to advance again. If unsuccessful, try the other nostril.

## Risks

## References