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
A family tradition continues at UC College of Nursing
April 24, 2026
When Ashley Enginger walks across the stage at this spring’s commencement ceremony, she will leave behind a UC College of Nursing that her family is far from finished with. Her sister Sarah is already two years in, and their youngest sister Lauren is set to arrive in the fall.
UC works with local paramedics to advance sudden cardiac arrest research
April 24, 2026
A University of Cincinnati study demonstrates the feasibility of emergency medicine researchers partnering with community emergency medical services nationwide to investigate the causes of sudden cardiac arrest.
Rain, steep slopes put NY community at risk of landslides, geologist warns
April 23, 2026
UC Associate Professor Dan Sturmer tells News10 that heavy rain combined with steep slopes is a recipe for landslides in one New York community.