My Brush (or Swab) With Pandemic Procedure

Image from the Internet

 

That looks uncomfortable doesn't it? THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS!

The image above is depicting the act of a Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. It is what you have to have done for a COVID-19 test.

I was hoping I would never have to have one of these tests but I had my first (and hopefully last) one done on Wednesday, August 12. I had to have the test as part of my pre-op work-up for my gallbladder surgery on the 20th.

The test would be administered while I remained in our vehicle. The Colonel drove to the testing site (a covered area on the side of the hospital...their signage was less than helpful in locating the testing site) and a nurse came out within a couple of minutes. Once she determined who I was and that my name appeared on her list, she told me I would be having the "regular" test and a MRSA test. I also was to get a small bottle of soap that I was to use for my shower before I had my surgery. She went back inside the building.

The Colonel said having the "regular" test was good, as it supposedly shows less false positives. That made me feel a bit better about having to have this test.

The nurse came back to the vehicle's window and began her first swabbing. It was for the MRSA test. She had two long Q-tips that were attached to one another on one end, like a pair of disposable, wooden chopsticks. She gently spread the two swab ends apart, just enough to fit one end in each of my nostrils simultaneously. She then moved the swab ends around the inside of my nostrils. That was painless and quick.

Next came the much maligned (and rightfully so) NP swab. The nurse then took out one very long Q-tip and stuck it in one of my nostrils. She kept inserting it until she reached the dark line on the swab's shaft that indicated how far the swab needed to penetrate one's nasal cavity. 

As the swab was moving along its predetermined path (which felt like its destination would be beyond my Cerebellum), I felt a burning sensation in my nose and eyes. It felt similar to getting your nose hit or bumped hard. We all know that feeling. I also experienced a metallic/chemical taste that stayed with me for about twenty minutes. Now I knew what to expect and what all the hype was about. I had one more nostril to go. Thank goodness the nurse was experienced and her movements were swift and economical (and that I did not have to pay for the testing...at least not monetarily...as my Econ teacher taught...nothing is ever free...I paid with my time and pain).  

I do not know when I will hear the results of my testing, but I certainly hope they will return negative so that I can proceed with my gallbladder surgery next week.

I have been hearing that some people go and have the COVID-19 tests voluntarily...must be gluttons for punishment.

NOTE: Both tests were negative and my gallbladder surgery took place and went well.