I had 3 nasal surgeries in the past. Is it safe for me to take nasal Coronavirus test?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had three nose and septum surgeries and my septum is deviated. My workplace wants me to do the nasal Coronavirus test as I recently came back from overseas. I am already on day 10 of Quarantine but they want to do the test.

Is there any risk for me to do this test considering the previous surgeries? Can they force me to do the test? Do they need me to consent to the procedure? Can I request to finish my quarantine instead of testing? Or is there any other test that is less invasive?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I see that you are concerned about previous surgeries. Nasopharyngeal swab for Coronavirus is a very simple test, just like how you use your ear buds. So nèed not worry, it can be done even if you have a deviated septum.

During this pandemic season, it is recommended by world health officials that you get tested before joining your work if you have traveled overseas, and 14 days quarantine is also recommended by the World Health Organization. No other test is as invasive and highly yielding as a nasopharyngeal swab test.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.