Nasopharyngeal Swab

A nasopharyngeal swab is a medical test used to collect a sample from the upper part of your throat behind your nose. A healthcare worker gently inserts a thin, flexible stick called a swab into your nostril and guides it toward the back of your nasal cavity to reach the nasopharynx. This area is important because it often contains viruses or bacteria responsible for respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The sample collected is then tested to detect the presence of specific pathogens, helping diagnose what might be causing symptoms.