Does the nasal swab when taking a COVID-19 test damage the blood-brain barrier?

Taking a COVID-19 test with a nose swab does not damage the blood-brain barrier.

In a nasopharyngeal test, a long, flexible cotton swab is inserted deep into the nostril until it reaches the nasopharynx, an area located at the back of the nose and above the throat. This is far from the blood-brain barrier.

The procedure is safe and is performed by trained medical personnel. The swab is gently inserted and rotated a few times to collect cells and mucus. Although it may be uncomfortable, it does not harm brain structures or the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier is deep and protected by several layers of tissue, including the dura mater (a tough protective layer), bone of the skull, and cerebrospinal fluid. The swab does not come near these structures. The nasopharynx is a superficial area that is far from the brain and its protective barrier.

Sometimes there is confusion about the depth and safety of nasopharyngeal swabs, mainly because of the discomfort during the test. Medical professionals follow strict guidelines to ensure the procedure is safe. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that a nasopharyngeal swab can damage the blood-brain barrier.

Source: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/10665-331501

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024