They will only do the PCR test. On the CDC web site it describes the proper procedure. They don't use a swab (like a Q-tip); instead, it is a scrub brush like a straw cleaner or bottle cleaner, (or a Pap smear brush for us women). CDC says to rub the back of the throat for a full 10 seconds with this brush. Children's Hospital enthusiastically follows these guidelines.

I asked several times if he could do the test that uses the swab (like the home antigen tests) or that uses saliva. Nope. Not at all. This tells me that they are completely rigid about getting that particular test. It isn't that they want to know if he had Covid - they could have used any other test.

Two months later my whole family got Covid. We did the Binax NOW home test with a swab. My son was freaked out, saying that he didn't want the pain again. It took a lot to help him get over the fear. I had him swab himself - worked fine.