Psychological and Cost-benefit Impact of Deep Nasal Swabs for COVID-19 Tests
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Tan Yia Swam’s inquiries regarding the physical and psychological impacts of deep nasal swabs, the volume of tests on minors, and the cost-benefit analysis of mass swabbing. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung stated that 13.6 million PCR swabs were conducted by June 2021, with 2.8% performed on individuals under 21, and reported very few adverse events. He noted that scientific literature indicates no significant risks of serious or lasting effects, though the Ministry acknowledges the discomfort caused by repeated testing. Testing remains a key policy enabler for early detection and containment, allowing for wider special testing operations and supporting contact tracing and quarantine efforts. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung also detailed how rostered routine testing for high-risk frontline groups protects workers and provides reassurance regarding the effectiveness of containment strategies.
Transcript
106 Dr Tan Yia Swam asked the Minister for Health (a) to date, what is the number of children and vulnerable adults who have been subjected to a deep nasal swab; (b) whether there are any known reports of adverse outcomes or lasting psychological effects during the deep nasal swabs; and (c) of the people subjected to a deep nasal swab, whether the Ministry has done any survey of any lasting side effects, both physical and mental.
107 Dr Tan Yia Swam asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has conducted any cost-benefit analysis of the role of deep nasal swabs of all contacts once a positive case is identified; (b) whether the cost of the swab tests and potential harm to individuals receiving the swab tests are evaluated; and (c) what is the ratio of the number of cases picked up in comparison to the number of close contacts swabbed in the recent mass swabbing exercises.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: As of 28 June 2021, we have done a total of 13.6 million PCR swabs, of which around 2.8% were performed for persons under the age of 21. The scientific literature suggests that while there is risk of minor complications from swabbing, there are no significant risks of serious or lasting adverse effects. There have been very few reported adverse events.
Testing is a key enabler in our efforts to contain COVID-19. It allows us to detect cases early and draw a wider ring with special testing operations where there is a risk of significant hidden transmission. This, along with other public health actions such as contract tracing and quarantine, has limited the local spread of COVID-19.
We have also implemented rostered routine testing for identified groups who have a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, such as those at working at our frontline COVID-19 operations, including the borders, hospitals and community care facilities. This protects the workers and also provides reassurance that our containment efforts have been effective. We know that undergoing repeated regular testing can be uncomfortable and we thank all our frontline workers who have been extremely cooperative and understanding about the need to do so.