RE: So what’s the significance of this?5 Mar 2021 13:45
So no brain OR tonsil ticklers anymore! Which is interesting as the initial bidstats tenders did say specifically Nasopharyngeal was no longer being accepted and now Oropharyngeal has gone too. Could they be happy with developments in the AN space? hmmm
Nasopharyngeal Definition
A nasopharyngeal swab is one of the swabs used in COVID-19 testing and is designed to reach far back to your nasopharynx, an anatomical term that you may not have heard before. Your nasopharynx is part of the musculature that makes up your throat and nasal cavities, the pharynx. More specifically, the nasopharynx is behind your nose but above the soft palate of your mouth.
When used to collect a sample for a coronavirus test, a nasopharyngeal swab is inserted through the nasal passage all the way to the back of your throat. The process is fast, but may cause some minimal discomfort.
Oropharyngeal Definition
An orophayngeal swab is designed to reach your oropharynx, another part of the pharynx. Your ororpharynx is located below your nasopharynx; at the back of your throat and below the nasal passage openings.
When used to collect samples for COVID-19 or other coronaivurses, an orophayngeal swab is inserted via the mouth to the back of the throat. Some people find this a more comfortable and preferred method than the nasopharyngeal swab alternative.