Give a Good Squeeze for “Juicy” Nasal Swabs

Before you collect a nasal swab for an influenza test, instruct the patient to repeatedly squeeze his or her nares just below the cartilage. This will make the nares “juicy” (but be sure to caution the patient not to sniff the secretions back into the nares). Collect your sample from the nostril that the patient reports to be the juiciest. Also, telling pediatric patients that you are about to “get a booger” nearly always gets a laugh. - Laura Thiem, RN, FNP
   Adrian, Mo

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