Swabs used for COVID-19 testing are in short supply in London

A supply shortage of swabs used to test for COVID-19 has created challenges for the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU).

Hospitals under the jurisdiction of the MLHU have been prioritizing inpatients since the shortage began, and London's first COVID-19 assessment centre currently doesn't have any swabs in supply. 

"I would emphasize that the swabs are available to those who need it most," said Dr. Alex Summers, the MLHU's associate medical officer of health.

The shortage is not a local problem, rather, a global one as health authorities around the world scramble to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

Dr. Summers said he believes the shortage isn't necessarily bad news because it indicates health officials have been doing a significant amount of testing for COVID-19.

For now, the shortage appears to be temporary with health officials expecting additional swab deliveries in the coming days.

The swabs used to collect samples from patients resemble a long thin Q-Tip, according to Dr. Summers.

Watch what it's like to get tested for COVID-19

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A look at what patients could expect if they end up in an emergency room with COVID-19 symptoms.

Patients are swabbed inside the nose or mouth, and the swabs are then placed inside a tube with a preservative that allows it to be transported for testing. 

It's unclear how many swab tests have been done by health officials in the region.