Throat and Nares (Nasal) swabbing for Rapid Antigen Tests

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has endorsed the use of throat and nares (nasal) swabs for rapid antigen tests.

Evidence shows that although both nasal and throat/nares methods are acceptable, throat/nares collection does provide better results for detection of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

There are seven simple steps to collecting a throat and nasal swab for your rapid antigen test T2P - Specimen Collection - RaT.pdf (saskhealthauthority.ca):

1. Do not eat, drink, vape, smoke, brush teeth or chew gum 30 minutes prior to testing
2. Prepare your supplies
   • Wash hands before starting. Prepare your testing area and lay out the supplies you will need on a clean surface. Supplies needed are:
     • Tube rack
     • Testing device
     • Tube and cap
     • Buffer fluid
     • Swab
3. Prepare the test according to package instructions: Although tests vary depending on brand, most require buffer to be added to the tube and placed in the rack prior to placing the swab inside the tube. 
4. Obtain Throat Swab: Swab the back of the throat (avoiding the tongue, teeth and lips). Swab the tonsillar area in the back of the throat for five seconds on each side. 
5. Obtain Nasal Swab: Swab the nostrils using the same swab. Insert the swab about one cm into the first nostril, rotate five times, remove and repeat on the other side. 
6. Process the sample: Place the swab in the tube. Follow the package instructions for processing the test, adding the drops to the testing device, and waiting the allotted time to read the test results. 
7. Positive results do not require a confirmatory PCR test. Refer to the Ministry of Health’s Self-Testing Guidelines for advice on how to proceed once results are displayed and test processing time is complete.