Nasal Swabs may be needed to look for infections and to investigate MRSA bacteria

Follow the procedure as below 

• Explain the procedure to the patient and the attendees
• Wash hands with antibacterial soap and water or use the bactericidal hand solution
• Make sure that no antibacterial solution or drops have been used before taking the swab
• In younger children, you can make them sit on the parent’s lap to calm them. The carer can hold the hands down of the child with one of their hands and use the other to stabilize the forehead
• Damp the swab in sterile water and gently insert the tip into the nostril. Run it from the nares towards the tip rotating it all through.
• Use separate swabs to swab different nostril
• Place the specimens in an appropriate container with the details of the patients and the type of specimen and send it to the lab
• Make sure you document it