What is the Nasal Swab Test?

A nasal swab test involves collecting a sample from inside the nostrils using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify bacteria commonly carried in the nose, some of which can cause infections.

This test is frequently used to detect organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, and other bacteria linked to respiratory or skin infections. It helps identify asymptomatic carriage as well as active infection.

Nasal swab testing is widely used in both clinical assessment and screening contexts, particularly when recurrent infections are present.

Why do I need a Nasal Swab test?

The nose can act as a reservoir for bacteria that repeatedly cause infections elsewhere in the body. Identifying nasal carriage can help explain recurrent skin, sinus, or soft tissue infections.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Recurrent skin or soft tissue infections
• Frequent sinus or upper respiratory infections
• Non-healing wounds or repeated abscesses
• Close contact with individuals carrying resistant bacteria
• Pre-procedure or hospital screening requirements
• Suspected MRSA carriage

Testing provides valuable information about bacterial colonisation and infection risk.

Benefits of the test

1. Identifies bacterial carriage
   Detects bacteria that may repeatedly cause infections.
2. Supports infection control
   Useful for screening before procedures or hospital admission.
3. Explains recurrent infections
   Helps identify hidden sources of repeated illness.
4. Simple and quick sampling
   The swab process is brief and well tolerated.
5. Useful for MRSA detection
   Commonly used to screen for resistant bacteria.
6. Non-invasive testing
   No blood draw required.
7. Supports targeted follow-up
   Results guide further assessment or monitoring.
8. Applicable to adults and children
   Suitable across age groups.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician takes a nasal swab
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile clinician
• Nasal swab taken at your home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

No bacteria detected (normal)

• No clinically significant organisms identified
• UK standard: No growth / not detected
• Suggests no relevant bacterial carriage

Low-level growth / colonisation

• Small amounts of bacteria present
• UK standard: Colonisation detected
• May not indicate active infection

Positive (significant growth)

• Pathogenic bacteria identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus detected)
• Indicates carriage or infection depending on clinical context