How to Collect Samples for COVID‐19 Antigen Testing

Co-authored by Ni-Cheng Liang, MD

Last Updated: February 8, 2025 References

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to other people is a scary and risky concept. However, thanks to recent scientific breakthroughs and developments, many new technologies have come into the usage of common folk. One of these technologies is the COVID-19 rapid antigen test, which can be purchased at any convenience store and provides a safe and professionally approved ^{[1]
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Research source} way to test for COVID-19 at home, ^{[2]
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Research source} which can help eliminate the need for exposure, as well as being required for that clean bill of health you need to provide for your next flight. ^{[3]
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Research source} Now, with self-tests being replacements for lab-examined testing, everyone needs to know the tips and tricks for safe sampling for COVID-19 at home. This guide provides help on safe sampling, covering all different approved methods as well as ample information on helping kids with this process.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Preparing to Sample

1
Check for any physical requirements the test may require. This should be located in either the introduction of the instructions card or on the face of the box. This is especially important, as some tests are not suitable for certain people. ^{[4]
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Research source}
- Some tests have a minimum age requirement. ^{[5]
  X
  Research source} Before helping your child take the test, check if they are old enough for the particular product.
Check the expiration date for the test. This should be located on the face of the box. Expired tests do not function properly, so make sure that the test in hand is not expired before purchase or use. ^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}

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3
Read the instructions card. This will include information on how you can administer your samples to get test results, as well as other important information provided by the producer. Read thoroughly and carefully.
- The instructions card includes information on what to do with your sample and how to get your result, which varies greatly from kit to kit. Make sure that you prepare all necessary equipment before continuing to take the sample. The card can also help to identify the type of sample needed.
- Make sure to set up the test as per the card before moving on, as you will have a limited time after testing to administer the sample.
4
Find and disinfect a flat, cool, surface that is not in direct sunlight. These conditions are vital for the accuracy and validity of the test results. After you have located such a surface, use any suitable cleaning agent to perform the disinfection.
- If you are using commercial cleaners, try to use those that include alcohol, peroxide, or chlorine contents. These are more effective for this goal.
- If you lack commercial cleaners in the pandemic, use preferably undiluted alcohol or hydrogen peroxide solutions.
5
Wash your hands . The test needs to be taken in a sterile environment, and unclean hands may mean germs and other microbes contaminating the test results. Wash your hands thoroughly, preferably with soap and water.
- It is required that you keep your hands clean and sterile throughout the test, so make sure to not touch anything that has a chance of contaminating the samples.
6
Check for the type of sample required for the test. Through the instructions leaflet, locate the section on sample collection and see what type of sample the test requires. There are 3 types of samples, though many tests require more than one of them. However, keep in mind that these combinations are mostly fluid, and if you do not fit all the criteria for the sampling method below, you can change to another (e.g. mouth + nostril can be substituted with 2 nostrils).
- Nasal sampling refers to samples collected through the nose and is not suitable for toddlers. The nostrils of smaller kids are underdeveloped, and using nasal collection might cause damage to the nose. Discomfort is inevitable. You will need to remove your nose ring(s) if you have any on. ^{[7]
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  Research source}
- Oral sampling refers to samples collected through the mouth. This is suitable for people of all ages. Similarly, to nasal sampling, there can be a certain amount of discomfort while performing this test. Do not use if you have had any form of medical operation previously (e.g. wisdom tooth removal, etc.).
- Spit tubing refers to sampling by saliva administered into a test vial. It is suitable for smaller children. This method also tends to be the most inaccurate, ^{[8]
  X
  Research source} but is a great option for little kids, since it causes no discomfort. However, it is usually not recommended due to its difficulty to administer and provide results.
7
Locate and unwrap the collection swab carefully, holding it by the shaft. ^{[9]
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Research source} Carefully pull on the labeled part of the wrapping. Pull from the bottom up to avoid touching the tip. After you expose the bridge of the cotton swab, use it to pull the rest out.
- Do not touch the tip of the swab from here on out. This limits the possibility of contamination and guarantees more accurate results.
- Before testing, make sure that you are not allergic to the cotton swab materials. The tips are hypoallergenic, but a small number of people may still be allergic, potentially causing them to sneeze during the test and causing dangerous consequences.
- Note that both oral samples and nasal samples must be conducted with the same swab, so do not test the swab immediately after use: all specimens have to be collected onto it before you administer the test.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Performing a Nasal Sampling

This helps to bring mucus to the sampling area. ^{[10]
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2
Insert the tip of the swab into your nose slowly until you feel resistance. ^{[11]
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Research source} There will be a certain level of discomfort involved, so keep that in mind before administering the test. The length usually required to insert is about 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) in adults, but can vary from person to person. ^{[12]
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Research source}
- The length of the swab you insert into the nostril will be greatly different in children and minors. Try not to pressure a child’s nose too much if you are helping them administer the test. This may cause damage to the nose. Instead, insert only a little at a time, asking the child when they feel resistance and adjusting the swab based on their description. Explain to them beforehand what resistance feels like, and that the test is meant to be uncomfortable.
3
Rotate and swirl the swab around in your nose about 5-10 times, pressing it gently onto the nasal walls. ^{[13]
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Research source} This ensures the collection of a wide range of samples, including cells and mucus. Refrain from moving the swab further or farther down the nostril.
- Take it slowly and avoid any sudden or violent actions to ensure the safety of the person being tested. Remember that the nose is a very sensitive organ and should be treated delicately to avoid injury.
4
Extract the swab from your nostril slowly. ^{[14]
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Research source} The tip of the swab must not come into contact with any other surface or your face to ensure the validity of the specimen.
- If you are helping children execute this maneuver, get them to hold still until the swab is completely out of their nostrils. Often, it can feel like the swab has left the nostril when in reality it has only been lifted from resistance.
^{[15]
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Research source} If your instructions card informs you to use nasal sampling, it requires a specimen from both nostrils. Carefully reread this section and repeat for your other nostril using the same cotton swab.

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Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Performing an Oral Sampling

1
Refrain from food and drink for at least 30 minutes before the test. ^{[16]
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Research source} You cannot eat anything before receiving an oral sampling. This ensures the purity and validity of the sample.
- Brushing your teeth could also help to make sure no food residue remains, as it is important not to contaminate the specimen.
2
Enter the swab into your mouth and press the swab onto the tonsils, between the teeth and gums in the back of the mouth. ^{[17]
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Research source} This ensures for collection of saliva and cells that are secreted by the saliva ducts, ensuring the purity of the samples. Avoid your teeth and tongue during this step.
- If you have had your tonsils removed, simply place the swab where they should have been.
- If you are suffering from tonsil stones, infection, or any other form of tonsil medical issues, place the swab relatively closer to the lips, but on the same horizontal axis as your tonsils.
There should be no discomfort in this step. Be sure to be extra light, as the tonsils are sensitive and how hard you press on the surface does not affect the success of the sampling as long as the swab is in place.
Once again, make sure to avoid your teeth and gums, and rub the swab gently against the side of your cheek.
5
Move the swab as far toward the back of the throat or tongue as you can comfortably reach. ^{[18]
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Research source} If it helps you locate the area, try sticking out your tongue as well. ^{[19]
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Research source} Do not go too far down the throat, as this could become a potentially dangerous choking hazard.
- A gag reflex is a good thing, simply telling you that the swab is in place. To collect mucus for testing, the swab should be able to trigger a gag reflex. This is your signal that the swab is in place.
- When helping children, tell them to sick out their tongue and make the “ahhh” sound. Look for an arch at the back of the mouth and position the swab on it. ^{[20]
  X
  Research source} Make sure they do not stop making the sound, as this helps to eliminate the gag reflex and allow you to execute the move easily.
6
Rub the swab against the back of the throat or tongue in a circular fashion for 5-10 seconds. ^{[21]
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Research source} This should provide the test with ample mucus sampling from the throat. This could be mildly uncomfortable, but should not be painful.
- If you are concerned about your gag reflex activating, make the “ahh” as you would at a dentist. The sound comes from the throat and helps to eliminate the gag reflex, allowing for easier collection.
Make sure it does not come into contact with any other surfaces to avoid contamination. ^{[22]
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Research source}

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Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Performing an Oral Fluid Collection (Spit-tubing)

1
Assemble the spit tube. ^{[23]
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Research source} Locate the plastic funnel and specimen vial. Hold the funnel by the neck and, using force on the specimen vial, press the opening of the specimen tube together with the neck of the funnel. They should fit into each other, with the funnel neck fitting over the vial.
- Be sure not to touch the inside of the funnel or tube during this process. You want to make sure that the sample is exposed to as little outside material as possible.
^{[24]
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Research source} Making sure not to spit saliva outwards, bring up a cough from the back of the throat. This helps to guarantee that mucus is brought into the saliva and collected in the following steps.

Warning! Do NOT swallow any saliva after coughing. You want to make sure that the saliva which will be collected contains mucus from your throat, so swallowing the mucus-filled saliva at this point will render this step pointless.
3
Bring your head over the opening of the funnel and spit into the funnel until oral fluid reaches the scale line marked on the vial. ^{[25]
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Research source} Do not come into contact with the mouth of the funnel. Keep spitting until you reach the scale line, as this is the necessary amount of specimen required for a conclusive result.
- If you seem to be unable to locate the scale line or are unsure which of the numbered markers is the scaled line, consult the instructions card. It should include a description on which number value to spit to. ^{[26]
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  Research source}
- Make sure not to move on until all the spit left in the funnel has drained into the test vial.
Gently, making sure not to spill the specimen, lift the funnel off of the opening of the test vial. Anchor the hand holding the vial to a surface, such as a table, and use your other hand to pull the funnel off. ^{[27]
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Research source}

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Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

After Sampling

1
Administer the rest of the test within 15 minutes of sampling. The sample should not be allowed to sit for more than a quarter of an hour after being taken from the body, as this will not allow for the most accurate results. ^{[28]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- The instructions card outlines the rest of the procedure, which will vary from product to product. ^{[29]
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  Research source}
2
Check and respond correctly to your results . The instructions for reading your test results will be outlined in the manufacturer's guide. Make sure to understand each result as well, as a correct interpretation of results can prove important in the protection of yourself and your loved ones. Learn how to react to these results with this article.
- Note that some products require a mobile phone application to view results. . ^{[30]
  X
  Research source} As per the instructions card, visit the company’s app or website system to view your results using the product code from the box your test came with. ^{[31]
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  Research source}
^{[32]
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Research source} Take your cotton swab, testing card, spit-tube, and other test supplies and dispose of them through household waste. These cannot be used again and should be discarded for sanitary needs. ^{[33]
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Research source}
Many test kits require you to take a sample test 36 hours after the first test. ^{[34]
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Research source} Check the instructions card to find out whether a second test is necessary. Mark down the next date in your calendar for the most conclusive results.

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How to Collect Samples for COVID‐19 Antigen Testing

Steps

Preparing to Sample

Performing a Nasal Sampling

Performing an Oral Sampling

Performing an Oral Fluid Collection (Spit-tubing)

After Sampling

Expert Q&A

Video

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References

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