Correctly performed nasal swabs

Area of Science:

• Medical Procedures
• Infectious Disease Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases led to increased nasopharyngeal specimen collection.
• Non-professionals and healthcare workers were tasked with performing viral swabs, increasing risks.
• Reports of basal skull perforation and cerebrospinal fluid fistula emerged due to incorrect swabbing techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the risks associated with incorrect nasopharyngeal swabbing techniques.
• To address the lack of published data on the health endangerment from improper COVID-19 testing procedures.
• To advocate for accurate media reporting on correct nasal swab performance.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted to review existing studies and reports.
• Analysis of publicly available educational resources, specifically YouTube videos, was performed.

Main Results:

• Only 44% of YouTube videos demonstrated correct nasal swab technique.
• Incorrect swabbing methods resulted in inaccurate biological sampling, leading to false-negative COVID-19 test results.
• Potential for patient injury due to improper technique was identified.

Conclusions:

• Despite professional society reports, a publication gap exists regarding the health risks of improper nasal swabbing.
• There is a critical need for accurate media and public information on correct nasal swab procedures.
• Improving technique can reduce false-negative COVID-19 tests and prevent patient harm.