This week, I’ve had my wisdom teeth removed. I’ve been slightly out of it but I’m committed to the blog this year! So here is just a short post for this week.
For those of you who know me, a sore throat is a Daisy Specialty – a regular occurrence. I might be a hypochondriac. Since the beginning of this pandemic, I have been tested for COVID-19 four times. Currently, the testing criteria for a COVID-19 test in the ACT are: displaying any signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19. It may also be recommended by ACT Health that you get tested if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have returned from any COVID-19 hot-spots in the last 14 days.
You can find information about whether you should get tested for COVID-19 and testing criteria in the ACT here: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/symptoms-and-getting-tested . For information about testing criteria in other areas, please visit your local government health website or contact your GP.
For peace of mind and the safety of everyone, when I got a sore throat I went to get a COVID test (and also because that’s what we have been directed to do by our government). There are a few ways which you can get swabbed here: one is a clinic and another is a drive-through testing site. I attended a clinic as it was the one closest to my house each time I got a COVID swab.
When I first entered the clinic, I was directed to do my hand hygiene and apply a mask before approaching the reception desk. Once at the reception desk, the nurse confirmed with me why I was attending the clinic and which symptoms I had, as well as took my details down.
During the busiest times, the nurse asked me to wait in my car and would send me a text when it was my turn for a test, though usually I was just directed to a take a socially-distanced seat in the waiting room. The waiting time varied but I always took a book and some earphones with me. Highly recommend a good book for the wait!
The nurse would then call me for my swab! The nurses were always dressed in full PPE and there was a HUGE sign on the door to the waiting room that said ‘DO NOT ENTER THIS AREA WITHOUT APPROPRIATE PPE’ in giant red letters.
I was then asked to sit in a chair while two healthcare professionals (I’ve had a nurse and a doctor as well as two nurses before, so I think it varies) go through my information. They explained the procedure to me before asking me to remove my mask (into a bin) and lean my head back, against the wall. Then that lovey, long q-tip-looking thing called a swab goes down your throat but only for a few seconds. Then immediately after, the swab makes it’s way into what feels like your brain! Only kidding! The swab doesn’t go past your nasal cavity but it does feel slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds and it always makes my eyes water.
The lovely staff then asked me to do my hand hygiene, put a mask on and re-do my hand hygiene again. They gave me some information about self-isolating while I waited for my test results, as well a certificate of attendance (in place of a sick certificate). I then headed back to the car and received my test results via text in the next few days. If your test is positive for COVID-19, currently you would receive a phone call with your result.
I have heard about some varied methods and have been wondering about the efficacy of these different methods. For example, swabs only being taken from the nasal cavity, swabs being taken from one nostril v. two nostrils or whether the swab must be taken from the back of the nasal cavity v. just the nasal passage. I will have to do some reading on this.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you’ve been tested for COVID-19 or if you’ve done some reading on which is the most effective form of swab in testing for COVID-19. Until next week, lovely people!
Daisy Azmi 