The cotton swabs used for nucleic acid testing contain irritating substances, which can cause cancer? The latest answer from the National Health Commission

Some time ago, there were local epidemics in many parts of the country, so it was necessary to conduct multiple rounds of nucleic acid testing for all employees. I believe that nucleic acid has become one of everyone’s daily work. Sometimes when I see a nucleic acid point, I always want to queue up to do it once, just for the word “peace of mind”.

The importance of nucleic acid testing in the prevention and control of the new crown epidemic is becoming more and more obvious.

But recently, Jiayijun received a request from netizens for help, saying that he was in After the nucleic acid was done, my throat felt very uncomfortable, and it was not relieved for a long time. It even became inflamed. My friend said that because the cotton swab used for nucleic acid was poisonous, it would cause cancer. I’m worried, I don’t know if it’s true or not.

First of all, please don’t believe these rumors. Today, the family doctor will break down these rumors one by one for everyone.

Sampling swabs contain Morgellons fibers, which can cause skin itching

It is undeniable that the sampling swabs are chemical fibers, but there is no Morgellons s fiber. The Health and Health Commission once clarified at a press conference that the sampling swabs and cotton swabs that are usually used are two things. The top of it is made of nylon fiber, which is similar to the material of toothbrushes. Cells are taken from the posterior pharyngeal wall of the oral cavity. Because of the material, after the sampling tube is placed in the back, the sample will be removed into the preservation solution, and the subsequent laboratory can be tested.

So far, no Mogellon fiber has been heard on the market , only Morgellons disease exists, but this nomenclature is controversial. Morgellons disease is characterized by intense itching of the skin, persistent non-healing wounds, and a marked foreign body sensation; chronic is characterized by fibrous skin. However, there is no consistent understanding of these symptoms in terms of physiological disease factors, diagnostic criteria, and treatment methods. All in all, no Morgellons fibers were present in the sampling swabs and did not cause skin itching.

Ethylene oxide in cotton swabs can cause cancer

Some people say that the cotton swabs used to detect the new coronavirus contain ethylene oxide, which is a carcinogen. Regular exposure can increase the risk of developing lymphoma and leukemia, as well as myeloma.

However, ethylene oxide is often used for disinfection and is not used to detect the new coronavirus. Cotton swab materials, general sampling swabs, and antigen kits do not contain such substances, so there is no need to worry too much.

The professional name of the sampling swab is a fluorescent probe, which contains a carcinogenic fluorescent agent

Some people say that the sampling swab contains a fluorescent agent of a carcinogen. Nonsense.

Sampling swabs are manufactured without introducing such substances and without producing fluorescent agents. A small number of new coronavirus nucleic acid detection kits using fluorescent PCR may use fluorescent probes, but this is only limited to the sample detection process, and fluorescent probes are not used when collecting samples.

Then why do some people feel uncomfortable in the throat and nose after every sampling?

Experts from the National Health Commission answered this question at a press conference on June 9, Sampling swabs are medical devices with strict quality control According to the requirements and standards, no harmful substances will be produced during the production process. As for some people, if they feel uncomfortable in the throat and nose after each nucleic acid, it may be that their throat or nasal cavity is more sensitive, and it is difficult to bear the foreign body sensation in the throat. , while some people are more tolerant.

There is also a possibility that some people, in the process of sampling, want to ensure the quality of the sampling, they will probe the sampling swab in to find the tonsils. , this move will irritate the throat and cause vomiting, but this will improve after a while.

As for this netizen’s throat inflammation after the nucleic acid operation, it may be other factors Caused.

If we want to alleviate this situation, we can remind ourselves to drink more warm water. The diet is mainly light, and the food is made soft and rotten, and spicy, stimulating and too rough and hard food cannot be eaten. Control the number of smoking and drinking.

When there is a slight discomfort in the throat, you may wish to take golden throat lozenges or watermelon cream lozenges orally to help relieve the discomfort of the throat. If a patient originally suffering from throat inflammation may have a sore throat after the nucleic acid operation, it can be relieved by taking medicine under the guidance of a doctor.

We should eat foods containing vitamin C, such as apples, tomatoes, kiwi and fresh dates, etc.; we can also eat foods containing B vitamins, such as milk, Animal liver and green leafy vegetables and eggs, etc., to prevent inflammation.

Message from the doctor

The first 2 nucleic acid tests Try not to eat any food for hours, rinse your mouth 30 minutes before sample collection, do a good job of oral hygiene, do not smoke or drink, and do not chew gum or betel nut. Keep a distance of more than one meter when queuing for nucleic acid testing; if you have had nasal surgery before , Suffering from throat disease or blood disease, deviated nasal septum, taking anticoagulant drugs, etc., you should inform the medical staff in advance. After the nucleic acid test, you should wear a new mask, leave immediately, and do not stay.


Family doctor online special articles, not allowed to be reproduced without authorization

Everyone come to vote

Which of the following behaviors are involved in nucleic acid testing Wrong practice?

1. Talk to others without wearing a mask while waiting for nucleic acid test

2. Chew gum or betel nut to make nucleic acid

3. Posted by others

4. Leave the nucleic acid point immediately after finishing the nucleic acid