nasopharyngeal tests can be risky

According to a statement from the National Academy of Medicine, nasopharyngeal swab tests “are not without risk” because “serious complications” have been observed in some cases.

During a PCR or antigen test to detect the presence of Covid-19, samples taken using a swab inserted into the nose may be “sometimes carried out under unsuitable conditions”, underlines the National Academy of Medicine in a statement dated April 8, 2021. “It is important to remember the precautions to be observed and the risks involved. While some complications can be considered as benign (inconvenience, pain or bleeding), serious complications have started to be described in the medical literature for a few weeks, in particular breaches of the ‘anterior stage of the base of the skull associated with a risk of meningitis “, explains the institution. As the reminder CNews, in October 2020, an American woman had her brain wall pierced during a PCR test. Of course, this is very rare.

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Good practices

The National Academy of Medicine therefore insists on good practices to be observed: “to inquire, before any sampling, of any accidental or surgical history of the ENT sphere which could modify the anatomy of the nasal and sinus cavities, in particular interventions concerning the septum, the inferior nasal turbinate and the sinuses of the face. not place the patient’s head in hyperextension during the sample, but keep it in a natural position, the chin parallel to the ground.Insert the swab following the floor of the nasal cavity horizontally and in no case deflecting it upwards, in direction of the base of the skull. ” In addition to this advice, the scientific institution warns users of self-tests by nasal swab, which will arrive at the pharmacy in a few days. “Self-sampling can expose to false negatives when the swab is too timid and superficial, but can also become dangerous when the swab is too deep and pointed in the wrong direction”, she says. The press release finally recommends “to reserve the practice of nasopharyngeal swabs to health professionals trained to perform this procedure under rigorous technical conditions” and “in children, to give preference to saliva samples for their safety and acceptability.”

Celine Peschard

Journalist who loves the versatility that his profession can offer. Specialized in the historical field, societal subjects and auteur films, against a background of electronic music. University course based on …