Clinical Medical Assistant Exam Practice Question

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When acquiring a nasal culture for COVID PCR testing, swabbing both nostrils and rotating the swab for several seconds is essential to ensure an adequate sample is collected. This technique maximizes the chance of detecting the virus if present.

Option A is incorrect; dietary intake does not significantly affect PCR results. Option B is not recommended, as disinfecting the nostrils can hinder the test's accuracy by removing viral material. Option C, while it may reduce discomfort, is not a necessary step for accurate sample collection and could delay the testing process.