Throat and nostrils

[Maryis80]

The latest lateral flow tests received from local pharmacy and NHS have reverted to having to swab throat and nostrils and then wait 30 mins for result rather than just do the nostrils and 15 mins. Will the test work if I only do the latter?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They have probably been testing and established that you get more reliable results by doing it with the amended instructions. There have been problems with false negatives and I'm sure I read something the other day about the double swabbing being more reliable.

[MrsNails]

Just follow the Instructions on the Pack.

[SnazzyD]

Depends where you are carrying the virus. In some it’s more in the throat and vice versa. I assume they are asking for it, for a reason for that particular kit.

[Koalajane]

I agree with others. Packs have their own instructions and these should be followed

[piglette]

You will find you do not necessarily have a good result if you do not follow the instructions to the letter. It was found the nostril ones only were not that good and they had been asking people to swab their throats too even with the nostril ones. The only trouble was the stick was a bit short! Why can’t you do it properly?

[Maryis80 in reply to piglette]

No problem doing it with the long stick, just makes me gag and then having to wait half an hour is a bit tedious! Anyway did one today and I'm negative. theres a lot of it about around here, so keeping our fingers crossed, both had four jabs now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

I suspect the nose ones not being as good may be because they don't do them properly! No-one doing a self-test could get the swab as far up as mine was the other week! I had a horrible post-nasal drip for a couple of weeks afterwards

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I think you are right. There was something about that. I suppose trying in two places might improve things.

[PollyBrown]

Having just had covid and using the test requiring nose and throat swabs, I can assure you that you don’t have to wait 39 minutes for results. Mine literally took a second to show a positive line! My symptoms were very much those reported on the Zoe app.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PollyBrown]

Depends on the amount of virus - won't be as speedy for everyone.

[Floridafan]

I suspect it probably will work but you should follow the instructions just in case. I took the nose and throat one yesterday and didn’t need to wait 30 minutes, the dreaded two lines were there within 5 minutes 😱

[AyJayBass]

Tim Spector recommends swabbing both nose and throat for a reliable result.

[AshPen9]

I read that Omicron doesn't show up as well with the nose only tests