What tests are being done to diagnose coronavirus

The lab will acquire one of the following samples from you:

  • A swab test: The lab will take a special cotton swab and sample the inside of the throat or nose
  • A nasal aspirate: The lab will inject a saline solution into your nose, then remove the sample with gentle suction.
  • A tracheal aspirate: A thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope goes into your lungs, where a sample will be collected.
  • A sputum test: Sputum is a variation of mucus from your lungs that can be coughed out or sampled from the nose with a swab.