The COVID-19 swabbing protocal tested, illustrated above.
A The Kids Research Institute Australia-led study conducted across 40 Western Australian schools has found that COVID-19 testing performed using a combined nose and throat swab was well tolerated by children as young as four years, with 71 per cent of students reporting no or minimal discomfort.
The students and staff were tested by trained nurses three times over the course of four months, using a less invasive method that involved swabbing them across the back of the throat.
The same swab was then inserted into one nostril. The study found that almost all of those who were asked to participate a second time agreed, and there was a high level of tolerance for repeat procedures.
The full study can be read at (DOI) 10.1136/bmjopen-2-21-055217.