Take this swab…

Woah …. before we go any further did you hear the news? You probably did because it is all over the place. Air Canada is now selling DIY PCR tests for people travelling out of Canada in preparation for their return trip. You have to have a negative PCR test to come back into Canada and finding a place to do this has been a bit of a challenge for some travellers. So much easier taking your own test with you – and cheaper in many instances.

The only issue I can see is that you won’t be as “thorough” doing your own nasal swab – otherwise known as “brain-scrapers”. Some people are really squeamish about doing this. That’s because if you are going to do it properly then you have to really shove that baby right up to your brain – and a good test is that if your eyes don’t water, you didn’t do it properly.

It is no wonder some people are scared of the nasal swab – so much misinformation on facebook and instagram is to blame – these sort of diagrams

I don’t think your nasal passage goes that far back!

There is no doubt that it will be very handy indeed to pre-purchase the test and take it with you. When you are ready to come home you just set up an online video date with one of their nurses who will check that you are doing it properly and not cheating.

Let’s face it – most of us will do just about anything to go travelling again so sticking a Q-tip up your nose is really not all that bad.

I think it was a really good idea for the DIY nasal swab to be supervised by an online nurse. Not only will this cut down on cheaters but it will make sure you are doing it properly –

“No, Mr Smith. The swab should be inserted in your nose!”