It won't hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. The swab is then sent to a lab to test the material from inside your nose. Other COVID-19 tests include swabs of: Your mouth and throat (oropharyngeal)

How is the COVID-19 nasal swab test performed?

A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample.

How do rapid Covid tests work?

A rapid COVID-19 test, also called an antigen test, detects proteins from the virus which causes COVID-19. This type of test is considered most accurate in those individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.