You’ve may have seen videos and images of people getting COVID-19 nasal swab tests. You know health workers in protective gear putting swabs up people’s noses, with some being tested, obviously not quite enjoying it.
But what should you really expect if you need to get one?
Transcript
Script: Boozhoo, I’m Cole Premo.
You’ve may have seen videos and images of people getting COVID-19 nasal swab tests … you know… health workers in protective gear putting swabs up people’s noses, with some being tested... obviously not quite enjoying it.
But what should you really expect if you need to get one?
The Minnesota health department recently released a video on that very subject. First, you should expect to be asked if you’ve had the test before… if you say yes, they’ll give you minimal instructions. If not, they'll let you know what'll happen.
CLIP: “Then, I’m gonna ask you your name and your birthdate, and then I’m gonna tell you I’m going to go into your nose and roll it around.”
That's Mandy, a health care worker, and the video shows her placing a nasal swab up a person’s nose for four to five seconds. She says the swab goes about 2 inches into the nostril.
CLIP: “It doesn’t hurt, it’s usually just more irritating. Some people sneeze and some people cough.”
The experience is pretty much the same for either walk up or drive-in testing.
After the nasal swab, you should expect a call within three days if you’re positive for COVID-19 and will be given further instructions, like self-isolation. Tests can sometimes take longer to process due to demand.
CLIP: “If you’re negative, you’ll get an email or a text message.”
Health officials say people with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, as well as those who were in close contact with someone positive for COVID-19. Certain medical procedures will require the test, too.
For more information on testing and COVID-19, you can visit health.mn.gov.