Open Forum

We allow MAs to obtain NP swabs. We would not have been able to perform the levels of testing we needed to perform during COVID otherwise. We had multiple drive through testing sites set up throughout our region, including pop-up sites with partner churches throughout that summer. 

If the MA was not already performing NP swabs (many already were for other specimen collections), they were competency validated. If they were able to be validated in real time (just-in-time training) that was best. We also were able to borrow the NG tube trainer from the hospital, which was a plexiglass type model but was great for our purposes because the learner was able to actually see the angle and depth they needed to use to get a proper NP swab collected. We ended up being able to purchase a different version later on, but this is the trainer we used at the time: https://www.healthedco.com/84087-Nasogastric-Intubation-Model?quantity=1&custcol_item_source=www.healthedco.com We also used the trainer for nurses that may not have been comfortable and needed a refresher on swabbing before beginning collection. 

We used the CDC guidelines as a resource, and internally have access to Elsevier Nursing Skills as an additional resource to videos and a checklist. 

CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/clinical-specimen-guidelines.html

My organization has followed the same process as Andrea's organization.  We do allow Medical Assistants to obtain NP swabs with competency validations.

We allow MAs to obtain NP swabs. We would not have been able to perform the levels of testing we needed to perform during COVID otherwise. We had multiple drive through testing sites set up throughout our region, including pop-up sites with partner churches throughout that summer. 

If the MA was not already performing NP swabs (many already were for other specimen collections), they were competency validated. If they were able to be validated in real time (just-in-time training) that was best. We also were able to borrow the NG tube trainer from the hospital, which was a plexiglass type model but was great for our purposes because the learner was able to actually see the angle and depth they needed to use to get a proper NP swab collected. We ended up being able to purchase a different version later on, but this is the trainer we used at the time: https://www.healthedco.com/84087-Nasogastric-Intubation-Model?quantity=1&custcol_item_source=www.healthedco.com We also used the trainer for nurses that may not have been comfortable and needed a refresher on swabbing before beginning collection. 

We used the CDC guidelines as a resource, and internally have access to Elsevier Nursing Skills as an additional resource to videos and a checklist. 

CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/clinical-specimen-guidelines.html