Covid PCR Tests

[eric4395]

Is it acceptable to do a PCR test using nostrils only. Do airports /ships accept this. I recently went for my one and only PCR test ( I have done a few lateral) at a local testing centre and no matter how I tried could not put the swab in the back of my throat so the tester told me just to use both nostrils. Plan on going my 1st cruise in May  (hopefully?) since covid began. Edinburgh/ Heathrow Airports involved and Athens is departure  cruise port.

[Flatbush Flyer]

21 minutes ago, eric4395 said:

Is it acceptable to do a PCR test using nostrils only. Do airports /ships accept this. I recently went for my one and only PCR test ( I have done a few lateral) at a local testing centre and no matter how I tried could not put the swab in the back of my throat so the tester told me just to use both nostrils. Plan on going my 1st cruise in May  (hopefully?) since covid began. Edinburgh/ Heathrow Airports involved and Athens is departure  cruise port.

PCR test. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample.

[Bizmark'sMom]

Most of the PCR tests I've had use nostrils only. One used a swab from the back of my throat as well - that one was tough!

 

I've had no trouble with entities accepting PCR tests done either way.  All they care about is seeing that the test is negative.

[sanger727]

All the tests I’ve done use nasal swabbing only. The cruise ship won’t know which one you did so it won’t matter to them. It will only matter to the company collecting and processing the test. If they say your ok, then it should be fine.

[eric4395]

Thanks for the reply's everyone, can relax a bit better now.