How to Break a Nasopharyngeal Swab Correctly for COVID-19 Testing
Nasopharyngeal swabs are crucial tools in collecting samples for COVID-19 testing. However, these swabs are often longer than the transport tubes used to send samples to laboratories. To ensure proper storage and transportation, healthcare providers must break the swab at the right point. This article explains the correct procedure for breaking a nasopharyngeal swab.
Nasopharyngeal swabs are typically 150-160 mm long, allowing healthcare providers to reach the sampling area without getting too close to the patient. However, transport tubes are usually shorter, ranging from 80-118 mm. Breaking the swab ensures that:
Most nasopharyngeal swabs feature a designated break point. This allows the swab to be easily snapped off at the appropriate length to fit in the transport tube.
By following this protocol, healthcare providers can ensure that nasopharyngeal swabs are properly prepared for safe transport to testing laboratories, maintaining sample integrity and reducing the risk of contamination.
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