Every week, many people go to laboratories or pharmacies to perform a PCR test or antigenic. The latter makes it possible to detect contamination with Covid-19. While the Omicron variant appears particularly contagious, going through the test becomes a real stop in the incessant metro-work-sleep dance. South West writes in its columns, that last week, "at least 1.6 million tests were carried out" . However, after being contact case for the third time in the same week and performed yet another test, is there a health risk?
According to the Academy of Medicine , the multiplication of nasopharyngeal swabs is not without health risks. Last April, she warned in a press release about the risks of repeated sampling . However, the test itself is not responsible, but rather the unsuitable conditions of the sample. Indeed, some "benign" complications may occur, such as discomfort, pain or bleeding. The rumor of meningitis following a repetition of tests circulated, but Nicolas Boulanger , ENT doctor and cervico-facial surgeon interviewed by 20 minutes , this is an extremely rare complication. "I don't even see how such a breach could be made on this type of direct debit . Rest assured, there is virtually no risk of having meningitis after a PCR or antigen test."
The quality of the sampling plays its part in the dangers of testing. "This gesture, repeated or poorly controlled, can actually cause pain and bleeding" confirms Doctor Nicolas Boulanger. For a risk-free test, the sample must apply the right gestures to avoid complications. “Many people have a deviated septum, which can lead to obstruction. Multiplying the screening tests can cause repeated friction when passing the swab and thus cause small bleeding in the mucous membranes » , adds ENT Nicolas Boulanger .
