COVID-19 has made life a little uncomfortable for most, in the way we run our errands, do our jobs and socialize with friends. Not to mention, the test for COVID-19 has been said to be a little unpleasant.

Traditionally, to test for COVID-19, a medical professional inserts a Q-tip-like swab in a patient’s nose to the back towards the back of their throat where it collects any viral specimens. While not painful, it can be uncomfortable.

Foundation Health Partners (FHP) has implemented a new method for collecting samples. With the new COVID-19 test, patients will be much more comfortable. The test is so easy patients can perform it themselves. The nares collection method gathers the sample from just inside of the nostril, swabbing for about fifteen seconds on each side. (Watch Chief Medical Officer for the State of Alaska Dr. Anne Zink get her COVID-19 test here.)

“We’ve transitioned to a much easier collection methodology,” said FHP Quality Medical Director Angelique Ramirez. “We want the community to know how easy and painless this is so they aren’t afraid to get tested.”

Ramirez explains that the Interior has flattened the curve, but the only way to maintain that status and decrease the risk of a surge is to continue testing.

“As Fairbanks and Alaska start opening up and returning to business as usual, we make ourselves more vulnerable,” Ramirez said. “The disease is still out there and there is still no vaccine. Testing allows us to see trends and hopefully catch any upticks in cases.”

FHP conducted a trial run of nares collection for COVID-19 at the drive-thru site at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The trial run was successful. Staff saw improved patient satisfaction and a reduced exposure risk to staff with many patients performing the test themselves.

All of FHP collection sites, including Tanana Valley Clinic (TVC) 1^st Care, FMH Emergency Department and the FMH drive-thru testing site have implemented nares collection method as of May 21.

Patients seen at the drive-thru site require a provider referral. Patients without a primary care provider can call the hotline at 458-2888 to discuss symptoms. The hotline will partner with TVC Telemedicine Services, TVC 1st Care and the FMH Emergency Department to direct patients to needed care and facilitate ordering tests for patients.