Nasopharyngeal swabs are used as a medical method for sampling a sample of mucus from the inside of the mouth and throat. The sample is then subjected to analysis for the detection of other clinical manifestations of disease-causing agents. Nasal swabs are preferred over pharyngeal, oral, or nasal examinations because they are easier to collect, more reliable, and more sensitive than many other collection methods. Nasal swabs are also more convenient and less costly than clinical testing. However, clinical testing remains the most efficient way to diagnose and monitor nasal disorders in the long term.