○ (Sample collection) Samples are collected by physicians, nurses, and medical technicians at designated locations (COVID-19 screening centers, etc.). Upper respiratory tract sampling is mandatory, while lower respiratory tract sampling is optional for patients with sputum. You may experience discomfort/pain while the sample is being collected.
※ Nurses and medical technicians will collect samples under the guidance of physicians.
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Upper respiratory
tract sample
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Combination of a nasal (nasopharyngeal) and throat (oropharyngeal) swab (in one tube)
- (Nasal swab) insert a cotton swab into the nostril until it reaches the posterior nares
- (Throat swab) insert a cotton swab and scrape the insides of the throat
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Lower respiratory tract sample
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Sample is collected by spitting sputum into a container, making sure that it is not contaminated by other liquids
- Forcefully coughing up sputum is strictly prohibited as it may produce aerosol
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○ (DNA testing) screening centers that are not equipped to do their own testing will send tests to reference laboratories.