Cincinnati.com: Nose or throat swabs? Advice from doctors so you don't waste that COVID-19 testing kit
UC expert says rapid tests are most effective at least two days into COVID-19 symptoms
With COVID-19 cases surging thanks to the omicron variant, many people are turning to self-administered tests to see if they have the virus. Some who do their own research about the tests online, may find a wide variety of theories on the best way to administer the tests. In an article published by Cincinnati.com, Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine answers some questions about how to make the most of a home COVID-19 test.
He says using a throat swab or a nasal swab as a throat swab is not a good strategy.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine/Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
"Throat swabs are not very effective and there are molecules that sometimes interfere with the test and make it invalid," Fichtenbaum said. "Just the nose."
The self-administered COVID-19 antigen tests are designed to collect viral proteins. There are saliva tests, but the most common COVID-19 rapid, home tests are nasal swabs. Instructions provided with the tests specify how to use them.
Another common question is when to administer a home COVID-19 test. Fichtenbaum says it is best to wait at least a couple of days after the onset of symptoms.
Fichentbaum explained: "The rapid tests appear to be most effective on those who are sick, two to four days into symptoms." If you're not feeling sick, the test's sensitivity is reduced.
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's medical, graduate and undergraduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
What is squalane, and how does it work to moisturize skin?
October 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos was featured in a Women's Health article discussing squalane, an ingredient being increasingly used in moisturizing skincare products.